Former Blue Hill Man to Live Strong in Austin

Former Blue Hill native and 1987 Blue Hill High School graduate, Brad Hargis, will ride in the Live Strong Challenge in Austin, TX on October 24-25, 2009. Hargis will join what organizers anticipate will be close to 6,000 riders who choose from a 10 mile, 20 mile, 45 mile, 65 mile and 90 mile course. Hargis will ride the 90 mile course which he completed last year in 5 hours and 13 minutes. By comparison, Lance Armstrong completed the course that day with a pack that started just ahead of Hargis at 3 hours and 40 minutes. Hargis now resides north of Joplin in Oronogo, Missouri, with his wife and five children. He is employed with the Freeman Heart Institute as Cardiology Coordinator. Individuals interested in supporting Hargis can securely donate online at http://austin09.livestrong.org/bikeanimal. "This is the greatest cause that I've ever committed to," Hargis says. "There is nothing but good that comes out of this. All proceeds go to finding a cure for cancer." Hargis's inspiration for making the ride: For those that know me, I'm not one to blow smoke up the wazoo! When I rode the Austin Livestrong Challenge 2008, it was one of the hardest physical efforts of my life. LOTS of climbing in the hills of Texas country. As with anyone making a tough, physical effort, there's always a shadow of doubt as to why we are doing this! Although I've made more difficult physical efforts on a bike, this was among some of the hardest riding I've ever done. As I crossed the finish line, lined with thousands of people cheering on survivors, family members and even those still battling cancer, it was even more clear to me why I was riding. After I finished and I took my turn watching the riders and others cheering, my thoughts turned to reflecting on memories of my Uncle John, whom I was riding for. Colon cancer claimed my Uncle. I stood there thinking and watching. I watched people laughing and crying. I watched people hugging, embracing complete strangers! I watched survivors, children, men and women, old and young. What determination it must take to battle cancer. All I simply did was ride a bike. I was asked by a complete stranger if I was okay. It was then that I realized I was leaking! Tears were streaming down my face! I didn't know that I was going to be this emotional! That was the inspiration. Thats why I rode my bike. I rode for those that couldn't ride for themselves. I rode for those that NEED me to ride!I'm going to ride again. Not for me, for THEM! Help us provide funding in the battle against Cancer. Please use my link to donate to the Lance Armstrong Foundation in the name of YOUR Uncle John, your son or daughter, Mom or Dad, or maybe, just maybe, YOURSELF! I will ride for you. We will ride for them. We will ride for you if you need us! The Live Strong Challenge is the signature fundraising event of the Lance Armstrong Foundation. In addition to Austin, similar events are held in Seattle, San Jose and Philidelphia. The Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF) unites people through programs and experiences to empower cancer survivors to live life on their own terms and to raise awareness and funds for the fight against cancer. The LAF focuses on cancer prevention, access to screening and care, research and quality of life for cancer survivors. Founded in 1997 by cancer survivor and champion cyclist Lance Armstrong, the LAF has raised more than $250 million for the fight against cancer. Join 60 million LIVESTRONG wristband wearers and help make cancer a national priority. Unite and fight cancer at LIVESTRONG.org.

Survivor's Supper to be Held August 2

Webster County Relay for Life and Mary Lanning Memorial Hospital have teamed with St. Paul's Lutheran Church and Blue Hill FFA to extend an invitatation to ALL cancer survivors, including those currently battling cancer, to a special supper on August 2 at 5:00 pm. Survivors and a guest of their choosing will be treated to a delicious supper and musical entertainment. Mary Lanning Memorial Hospital has donated the meals and St, Paul's Lutheran women and the Blue Hill FFA will be serving the honored guests. The meal will be served at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 310 W, Gage Street. Survivors may register with Sylvia Anderson at (402) 746 - 2837 or msanderson@hotmail.com until July 27.

Liquor License Renewals

Pursuant to Section 53-135.01 notice has been given that liquor licenses may be automatically renewed for one year from November 1, 2009 for Carla J. Weiler DBA Blue Hill Tavern, Kevin C. & Donna M. Kort DBA Klancy's Kafe both of Blue Hill, Rose M. Boyd DBA The Rambling Rose of Bladen and Betty J. Wengler DBA Cow Town Saloon of Holstein. Written protests to the issuance of automatic renewal of these licenses may be filed by any resident of the city or village in which the business operates on or before August 9, 2009, in the office of the city or village clerk. If three or more such protest are filed a hearing shall be held to determine whether the automatic renewal and or continuation of the license in question shall be allowed.

County Commissioner's Board Proceedings

The Webster County Board of Commissioners met at 8:30 am on Tuesday, July 7th for a regular business meeting. The following Members were present for roll call: Jeff Ord, John Soucek, Roger Bohrer, Keith Buschow and Mary Delka. Motion was made by Buschow, second by Soucek to approve the minutes of the June 16th business meeting with the amendment that the County Board also approved a $9.00 increase in the County Assessor’s budget allowance. All Members voted to approve the amended minutes. Motion was made by Bohrer, second by Soucek to approve of the June 23rd special meeting. All Members voted to approve those minutes. The Board received and filed the Sheriff’s Quarterly Fee Report. The Board received a funding request from Region 3 Behavioral Health. This request is a $360 decrease from the previous year’s expense. Motion was made by Delka, second by Buschow to approve of $7,516.37 in annual funding in fiscal year 2009/2010 for Region 3 Behavioral Health Services. All Members voted in favor of the motion. Treasurer Reiher submitted a resolution to the Board. Motion was made by Buschow, second by Delka to adopt RESOLUTION 28-2009: BE IT RESOLVED, that Peoples-Webster County Bank be permitted to withdraw the following securities, held in escrow by the Webster County Treasurer to secure deposits of this county in said bank: Federal Farm Credit Banks, Par Value $250,000; and that the substitution of the following securities be approved: SunTrust Bank, Par Value $100,00- maturing 05/28/2014, and Federal Home Loan Bank, Par Value $150,000 maturing 06/17/2013. All Members voted to adopt the resolution. Beverly J. Patitz, Director for the SASA Crisis Center, met with the Board to discuss funding for the continued service for victims of domestic violence. The Spouse Abuse Sexual Assault Center covers the Counties of Adams, Clay, Nuckolls and Webster. Patitz is asking for $1500 for this fiscal year. The Board would consider this in the new budget. Jolene Duffy, County Court, met with the Board to discuss costs for court appointed counsel. Linda Grummert, Highway Superintendent, met with the Board. They reviewed a State Roads requirement to close a bridge west of Bladen. Discussion was held on a Nebraska Department of Roads requirement for local agencies to comply with state/federal funding regulations. Motion was made by Buschow, second by Soucek to approve and authorize the County Board Chairman to sign the Local Public Agency Financial Certification to the State of Nebraska. All Members voted in favor of the motion. Grummert and the Board discussed road plans, continuing education, engineering, bridge inspections, road maintenance and the proposed road budget. The following claims were approved for payment: Wages for 9 part-time employees and 12 EMT’s - $8,477.37 GENERAL FUND Ameritas Life Ins retiremt $182.37, Nebr DAS Services telecom $448.00, Robert Beardslee maintnc $330.00, Bell’s Digging repairs $222.30, Blue Hill Leader publish $190.26, Business World supply $41.48, Richard Calkins counsel $974.30, Cash-Wa Distribut supply $211.75, Computer Hardware repair $119.90, Social Security FICA $246.43, Eakes Office supply $474.41, Executive Copier contract $662.00, Farmers Coop Assn fuel $857.92, Farmers Coop GW supply $651.14, Galls Inc. supply $246.44, Geoland Management software $400.00, Great Plains Comm 14 phone $942.67, Randy Henning expense $39.99, Holiday Inn Exprss lodging $140.00, Jared Auto Expert repair $497.95, Jefferson Co Sherf fees $19.00, Lonnie Knehans expense $31.75, Myrtle Knehans service $25.00, Duane Lienemann mileage $257.98, MB Construction labor $240.00, Mid-Nebraska Serv funding $4,061.00, MIPS, Inc. service $1,119.09, Nebr Labor Dept inspectn $100.00, NIRMA premium $10,486.00, Nuckolls Co Sherf fees $66.16, Olson Enterprises repair $233.44, US Postmaster postage $132.00, Red Cloud Chief subscrip $28.00, R.C. Hardware supply $47.33, City of Red Cloud utility $1,034.79, Region III Admin funding $1,879.09, JoAnn K. Reiher mileage $120.45, Donna Rose expense $189.19, Troy Schmitz meals $56.06, Seiler & Parker counsel $570.85, Share Corp supply $242.94, Simply Whatever contract $1,325.00, SourceGas utility $866.52, Superior Fire Ext inspect $255.00, Terra Scan, Inc. software $5,483.64, Theobald Law Off counsel $342.00, Web Co Sheriff petty cash $202.88, Webster Co Court costs $56.00, Whelan & Scherr counsel $137.75, Robert Willicott expense $37.95. ROAD FUND A & J Service fees $225.00, Toby Alber phone $64.00, Ameritas Life Ins retiremt $163.21, Paul Bencken phone $64.00, Bladen Sand/Gravel gravel $24,421.12, City of Blue Hill utility $70.40, Catherland Auto supply $391.53, Century Lumber repair $57.19, Country Clas Signs supply $150.00, Country Corner fuel $291.91, Social Security FICA $184.98, Eakes Office supply $33.18, Larry Edgar phone $64.00, Fancy Stitching expense $113.00, Farm Plan repair $264.83, Filter Care supply $134.60, First State Bank paym’t $ 16,441.47, Monte Garvin phone, $64.00, Glenwood Telephone 3 phone $128.74, Great Plains Comm 3 phone $156.57, Linda Grummert supply $9.90, Guide Rock Village utility $41.63, Hatten Electric repair $365.25, Holiday Inn Exprss lodging $350.00, HSBC Business repair $179.97, Michael Hunt phone $64.00, Ron Kudrna Bobcat maintnc $1,470.00, Allen Kuhnke phone $64.00, Kully Pipe & Steel steel $4,456.86, Lang Diesel, Inc. repair $2,193.47, LRNRD Rural Water water $21.87, Lyon Rock Quarry rock $1,249.20, Miller Repair repair $500.00, Nebraska Machinery repair $1,848.47, NIRMA premium $9,777.00, Garold Ohmstede maintnc $160.00, Olson Diesel repair $200.00, Quality Red D Mix concrete $890.00, Quill Corporation supply $138.75, R & K Service tires $1,990.64, R & M Disposal service $33.00, R.C. Hardware supply $503.71, Worell Reichstein service $25.00, Road Builder Mach repair $738.28, SourceGas utility $56.12, Superior Fire Ext repair $459.00, Ardell Talkington service $98.00, Timm’s Service repair $1,521.52, United Suppliers chemical $1,363.80, Marvin Webber phone $64.00, Zebadiah Webber phone $64.00, Windstream phone $54.34, Kary Winslow phone $114.00, ZEE Medical Ser medical $399.90. VISITOR PROMOTION FUND WC Visitor Bureau salary $500.00 DENTAL FUND Charles D. Bauer dental $208.00, Kory Bumgardner dental $426.80, Mark Driscoll dental $97.16, R. Etzelmiller dental $218.40, E.H. Lockwood dental $43.20, Howard L. Miller dental $42.00, W.C. Dentl Clinic dental $89.00, RC & SA Wilson dental $692.16. NOXIOUS WEED FUND Ameritas Life Ins retiremt $77.33, Social Security FICA $87.64, Great Plains Comm phone $45.11, NIRMA premium $480.00, Timm’s Service fuel $207.26. AMBULANCE FUND BoundTree Medical supply $61.50, Social Security FICA $129.45, Farmers Coop Assn fuel $142.89, Great Plains Comm phone $43.64, Linweld oxygen $76.00, SourceGas utility $13.24, Web Co Treasurer premium $1,001.00. Being no further business, Chairman Ord adjourned the meeting at 12:00 noon. The next regular business meeting will be held on Tuesday, July 21st, 2009. A current agenda and complete minutes are on file in the County Clerk’s Office.

Just Horse'n Around

The Webster County Fair Horse Show was held on Sunday, July 12 at the Merle Preston Arena at Webster County Fairgrounds in Bladen, NE. Show classes included Showmanship, Pleasure Walk & Trot, English Pleasure, English Equitation, Western Pleasure, Western Horsemanship, Horsemanship Walk & Trot, Western Riding, Trail, Reining, Pole Bending, Barrell Racing, Working Ranch Horse, Yearling Fillies, Two Year Old Mares, Four & Five Year Old Mares, Aged Mares, Aged Geldings, and Ponies with the potential for three age divisions in each class. Twenty seven youth participated in this years horse show. Notable results from the show are as follows: Senior Showmanship -- Jessica Petsch -- Champion, Christine Herrick -- Reserve Champion Intermediate Showmanship -- Jenna Thayer -- Champion, Amelia Petska -- Reserve Champion Junior Showmanship -- Carly Bostock -- Champion, Mariah Parker -- Reserve Champion Junior Pleasure Walk & Trot -- Jenna Thayer -- Purple Junior Western Pleasure -- Carly Bostock, Jocelyn Shipman -- Purples Junior Western Horsemanship -- Carley Bostock, Jocelyn Shipman -- Purples Junior Trail -- Carley Bostock, Mariah Parker, Jocelyn Shipman -- Purples Intermediate Western Pleasure -- Britany Norris, Andrianna Meyer -- Purples Intermediate Trail -- Amelia Petska, Andrianna Meyer -- Purples Senior Western Pleasure -- Korrie Heller -- Purple Senior Western Horsemanship -- Korrie Heller -- Purple Senior Trail -- Christine Herrick -- Purple Junior Pole Bending -- Carley Bostock -- Purple Junior Barrel Racing -- Carley Bostock, Mariah Parker -- Purples Intermediate Pole Bending -- Amelia Petska -- Purple Intermediate Barrel Racing -- Amelia Petska, Andrianna Meyer -- Purples Senior Pole Bending -- Amanda Brader -- Purple Senior Barrel Racing -- Courtney Kral, Christine Herrick, Amanda Brader, Miranda Ward -- Purples Working Ranch Horse -- Justin Mousel -- Champion, Jessica Petsch -- Reserve Champion Aged Mares -- Kelsey Parker -- Champion, Chyanna Sharp -- Reserve Champion Aged Geldings -- Korrie Heller -- Champion, Tessa Fielder -- Reserve Champion Participants not listed above were Justin Mousel, Molly Conner, Shelby Peters, Mackenzie Kral, Lacey Ward, Toni Hunter, Avery Edgar, Wesley Vance, Tessa Fielder, Toriah Post, Alec Meyer and Dalton Sweeley. COmplet listing of show results will be available at http://www.webstercountyfair.org/horse.htm.

Councilman's Column by Jesse Alber

First, let me offer an apology to my fellow council members. It is fair week. Market Beef Weigh-in was scheduled to start at 7:00 pm at the Webster County Fairgrounds. Because I was helping my son and nephew weigh in their steers, I was about 10 minutes late for the meeting and possessed an unflattering aroma. I am sorry. It had been a very long day. In this column, I would like to discuss four items that received attention at this months council meeting; the invitation by Cassie Ivy to either the Mayor or a council member to submit a periodic column to the Blue Hill Leader, the unfortunate need to raise utility rates, a penitential incentive program to entice a deputy to reside in Blue Hill, and illegally parked vehicles. Former Mayor Russ Willems used to submit a monthly column to the Blue Hill Leader when the paper was owned and operated by Lee Ostdiek. Cassie Ivy requested that the practice be renewed, either by the Mayor, a council member or even by rotating the column between members. I strongly believe this is a personal choice of the Mayor (or council members). I do not believe the council should commit itself as a body or request the Mayor commit herself to such a column. It was perfectly appropriate for Ms. Ivy to approach the council with such a request, but I believe she could have approached the Mayor or any member of the council individually because any column would be the opinion of the member presenting it and not of the council as a body. Just as this column is my opinion alone and cannot be deemed to reflect the views of the council as a whole. Mayor Schunk made no commitments to the column nor did any member of the council. Mayor Schunk said she would "consider" submitting a column but appeared to show some reluctance. Comments from council members and citizens suggested that submitting the article may not be a good idea because it would "open her (the Mayor) up for criticism". I strongly believe this is a choice the Mayor should make on her own but if the Mayor were to decline because she feared criticism or the open evaluation of her opinions and positions, I would be extremely disappointed. The Blue Hill Leader does have permission to republish this column if they see fit, in whole or any portion thereof. This is not the right time to raise utility rates. The economy is stagnant and unemployment is nearing double digits. We are all tightening the grip on our wallets and purses and trying to make the most out of every dollar. This is a decision that I resisted for many months and still have some second guessing even now. However, the rates at which we purchase electric power, not to mention other expenses, continue to rise at a much faster rate than our own. Even with the increase, Blue Hill utility rates remain more than competitive with other communities in our area. This rate increase, scheduled to take effect with the August 15 meter readings, replaces rate increases that had been scheduled for later in the year. The electric fund routinely continues to see expenses exceed revenues and is seriously in jeopardy of being "flat broke" by 2010. Utilities Manager, Mark Kumke, suggests that this needs to be one of many rate increases that need to occur over the next several years in order to maintain solvency in the fund. Ron Wilnerd of Contryman & Associates has scheduled July 22-23 to assist Blue Hill with the 2009-2010 budget. I strongly suggest that residence share their fiscal concerns with city officials prior to that date. I strongly believe that it is time to make some significant changes in the allocation of expenses. More than 1/3 of elected officials compensation, a significant portion of city employee salaries, publishing of meeting proceedings, streetlights, and much, much more is all charged against the electric account. Future utility rate increases are still a potential, but they can be curbed significantly by reallocating many of these and other expense away from electric and to other municipal accounts. Miscommunication led to inactivity on the discussion of a potential incentive program to entice a deputy to reside in Blue Hill. However, during discussion, strong opposition to any incentive program whatsoever was voiced by residence in attendance. Some discussion is still scheduled to occur with Webster County Sheriff, Troy Schmitz, but the direction of any type of initiative to provide for any changes in how we provide security for our citizens again appears to be grinding to a halt. I would like to make more progress on this issue. I am not confident that the City is currently meeting its security obligations to its citizens. Yet again this month, the city council devoted time to discussing illegally parked vehicles around town. I am so tired of this issue. It has been discussed over and over. The majority of the issues arise from unlicensed vehicles parked on street right of way which would include streets, alleys or terraces. Other vehicles are licensed but are left unmoved and unattended for months, even allowing weeds to grow up around them higher than the vehicle itself. The remedy is very simple. Please move your unlicensed or unoperated vehicles or trailers off of municipal right of way and on to your private property. I strongly believe that the council will soon begin having violators towed and impounded.

Council Sets Recall, Raises Utilities

The Blue Hill City Council met on Tuesday, July 14 for their regular monthly meeting. Based upon recommendations from Webster County Clerk, Lonnie Knehans, the council selected Tuesday, August 18, as the date for the required recall election of Coucilman Andy Alber. Blue Hill native, Kevin Kort, initiated the recall process and submited 134 valid signatures to force the recall election. The election will proceed unless Alber resigns and the Council accepts his resignation prior to August 2, the recall election will proceed. The council also took action to amend electric rates. For residential customers, monthly customer service charges will doubled from $5.50 per month to $11.00 per month. All electric users will see a 10% increase in their usage rates. The council refered to the recommendations from Utilities Manager, Mark Kumke, and a previous electric rate study in making their decision. Councilmember John Schwab was the lone dissenter in the vote to adjust utility rates. (Councilman Andy Alber was not present.) In other business, the council approved the Platte for the Koepke subdivision, approved the installation of 2 reserved parking spaces for fitness center permit holders (intended for physical therapy patience who may or may not have a handicap parking sticker), approved the purchase of entrance mats for city facilities, and implemented policies regarding swimming pool operations and providing for City Hall to remain open during the noon hour. Discussion was also held on illegally parked vehicles, curb and gutter payments, raising utility deposits, animal holes at the north park, possible implementation of an incentive program to entice a Sheriff's Deputy to reside in Blue Hill, parking in front of City Hall, grant opportunities for facility improvements to the Community Senior Center, and proposed personnel policies and job descriptions. Cassie Ivey of the Blue Hill Leader also inquired about the Mayor or a councilmember submitting a periodic column.

Webster County Fair Underway

The 2009 Webster County Fair is officially underway. The fair kicked off on Friday, July 10 at 9:00 am with the Fairgrounds Clean Up Day. That afternoon also brought the annual Ice Cream Roll. Last weekend was filled with Horse shows as the Working Ranch Horse Competitions were held on Saturday and the 4-H/FFA Horse show on Sunday. Portions of the fair came to Blue Hill on Monday, July 13 with the 4-H Music Contest and Fashion Show being held that evening at the Blue Hill High School gym. Monday saw a flurry of activity in Bladen also as the Webster County Extension Office relocated to the fairgrounds, pits were dug for Thursday and Fridays barbecues and livestock started arriving. This morning brought final check ins and weigh ins for sheep, goats and swine, and the rabbits and poultry show. All home environment, miscellaneous ag, foods, horticulture, and misc. home economics exhibits were required to be at the fairgrounds and were judged this morning also. All beef will be on the fairgrounds by tonight with market beef weigh ins scheduled for 7:00 pm. Tommorrow activities include the swine show, beef showmanship, dog show and exotic and small animal show. Thursday brings the sheep show, goat show, bucket calf show, round robin showmanship, team beef fitting contest, entertainment by recording artist Kari Moore, carnival rides and games, a beef barbecue and the Rodeo. Friday will include beef showmanship finals, market and breeding beef shows, carnival rides and games, a pork barbecue, the Rodeo, and dance to Sweetwater. The fair wraps up on Saturday with a 5K run, livestock premium auction, rainbow classic, alumni showmanship, demolition derby, carnivaal rides and games, the Rodeo, and dance to Sweetwater. The fair doesn't conclude until Sunday morning when all livestock are loaded out or released and all stalls have been cleaned. A listing of these events can be found in a previous posting on this blog. Watch for results of shows to be posted soon.

Congressman's Column by Adrian Smith

Government Takeover Not Good For Rural Health Care As anyone from Western Nebraska can tell you, there are many differences between urban and rural areas. Rural Americans face challenges completely unknown to folks from the big cities, and vice versa. In particular, rural Americans face health care tests unique to our geography. Per capita, rural populations are older and face specific health care concerns. When the distance to the nearest town from a farm or ranch can be measured in miles, access to care can be an even greater crisis. All Americans need access to quality health care regardless of where they choose to live. However, fewer and fewer are able to afford this care because of the rising costs of medical care and health insurance. Significant reform is needed to lower the costs of health care services and private insurance. As the health care reform debate begins in Congress, some lawmakers are pushing a one-size-fits-all government takeover approach to health care. I have severe concerns over this proposal, and I am not convinced a plan of this sort would reduce escalating costs. In fact, I am concerned such an approach would jeopardize quality. Proposals often sold as "free health care" in reality must be paid for through increased taxes or spending cuts in other areas. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. The truth of the matter is the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office estimates the Majority party's health care plan could cost in the neighborhood of $1.5 trillion over 10 years, and to pay for it they want to cut Medicare by $500 billion. This is unacceptable. We stand at an important crossroads when it comes to health care. Most would agree our current health care system requires reform to reduce costs. But I don't think the solution lies in having the government takeover your health care. I have long held a plan which will let patients and doctors - not Washington bureaucrats - make critical and personal decisions about their own health care is the proper direction to take this debate. Our focus should be on ensuring Americans who are happy with their health care plan can keep it instead of adopting a plan which would force as many as 114 million Americans to lose their current coverage. That's right - despite the President's claims, experts expect nearly 60 percent of Americans who are currently insured to be forced into the government's plan. Instead of going down this path, I recommend a more common sense approach. For instance, we should explore adjusting Medicare reimbursement levels to ensure rural health care providers are receiving payments equal to their urban counterparts. To this end, I have introduced the Medicare Equity and Accessibility Act, legislation designed to increase access to health care in rural communities by ensuring rural doctors receive a more equitable share of Medicare funds. Medicare law specifies a formula for calculating the annual update in payments for physicians' services, which discriminates against areas which are thought to have lower costs of living, such as rural states. This formula, then, effectively guarantees physicians in rural states receive reimbursements at a lower rate. Unless a fix is enacted, payments to medical professionals in rural areas will drop significantly in 2010, dramatically impacting care. My legislation aims to make sure that never happens. Competition and individual incentive always have led to greater cost control, efficiency, and effectiveness. Adopting a government takeover of health care would offer fewer options and less patient flexibility. Only a true exchange of ideas and a real debate on the different health care proposals will bring about the change needed.

Governor's Column by Dave Heineman

July 13, 2009 Get to Know the Nebraska Department of Agriculture Dear Fellow Nebraskans: The Nebraska Department of Agriculture is an agency that strikes a balance between the responsibility for regulating the state’s food, farm and ranch sectors with the role of promotion and partnership with private industry. Nebraska is known throughout the world as a dependable supplier of quality agricultural products. The Department of Agriculture works with producer and agricultural organizations to promote Nebraska products. Led by Director Greg Ibach, the Nebraska Department of Agriculture has focused on expanding trade relationships and advocating for the agriculture industry to adopt new advances in production and biotechnology. A farmer near Sumner, Ibach is experienced in production agriculture and knows firsthand the issues facing our producers. Nebraska has the fourth largest agricultural economy in the United States. One of the main responsibilities for the department is to work closely with Nebraska’s farm and commodity groups, researchers and others to open new markets for farm commodities and other value-added products. In recent years, we have signed new export deals for Nebraska grown grains, beans and meat products to Cuba and Taiwan. We marketed some of Nebraska’s high quality products at international food venues and restaurants. The department has also been a resource for European Union policy leaders developing new guidelines for integrating biotechnology into agriculture. The department is responsible for protecting producers and consumers and ensuring the health of livestock. The Bureau of Animal Industry enforces rules and regulations in order to eliminate or control diseases that can impact livestock and poultry. This ranges from avian influenza testing, to licensing auction markets and livestock dealers in order to monitor animals moving within the state. The role the Bureau of Animal Industry plays in responding to livestock health emergencies is especially relevant right now. Officials are working to address the finding of bovine tuberculosis in two cows in the north central part of our state. The team working with federal officials and local ranchers is critical for our state as the beef and cattle sector is such an important part of Nebraska’s agricultural heritage and economy. While some of Nebraska’s most plentiful agricultural products include red meat, great northern beans, corn and popcorn, soybeans, and pork, the department has staff working with dairy products, poultry and eggs, potato producers, and growers of specialty crops. The dairy division conducts inspections on milk from dairy farms and milk haulers, to manufacturing plants, and bottling plants. The Department of Agriculture is also charged with enforcing regulations. One example is enforcing food safety standards for Nebraska restaurants. The department partners with local health departments to inspect dining establishments in Grand Island, Lincoln and Omaha, and has more than a dozen specialists who conduct restaurant inspections in the rest of the state. The weights and measures division is responsible for ensuring the integrity of all commercial measurements in the state. Each year, inspectors certify nearly 36,000 scales and measuring devices from supermarket scales to fuel pumps at service stations and meters measuring bulk shipments. They conduct 75,000 random inspections of packaged commodities to verify that packages contain the proper quantity. The goal is to accurately measure price and quantity to ensure consumers can compare prices and are charged the price that corresponds with the amount of product they purchased. While the responsibilities of the Nebraska Department of Agriculture vary widely, the central mission is to encourage and promote the interests of Nebraska agriculture. I appreciate their efforts in promoting Nebraska’s number one industry.

A Nebraskan's View by Senator Ben Nelson

Monday, July 13, 2009 TAKING NEBRASKA SPENDING VALUES TO WASHINGTON Most Nebraskans are fiscally conservative. We are taught to live within our means from an early age. As independent spirited Nebraskans we understand the importance of saving for a rainy day. We know that you balance budgets through spending cuts, not tax increases. During 8 years as Governor it wasn’t easy to balance budgets but we did it. Now, in my first year as Chair of the Legislative Branch Appropriations Subcommittee, my hope is to instill some of Nebraska’s practical spending principles in Washington. Spending Cuts for Congress My first chance came with the bill that funds much of the operations of Congress. The original request totaled $3.4 billion, close to a 12% increase from last year. That kind of increase seemed excessive in light of the current recession. While it took some work we were ultimately able to prioritize and produce a bill that funds those activities identified as particularly timely and necessary. As a result, instead of an almost 12% increase, the final budget, with stimulus money included, is a modest 2.4% increase. I am proud of this bill. It was crafted in a truly bipartisan manner and avoids undue spending. It has been and will continue to be my goal to hold the line on spending whenever possible. What the Bill Does The focus of this bill is two-fold. First, it ensures safety within the capitol complex. This is reflected in that the largest increase was funding for the Capitol Police which received an 8% increase to accommodate their merger with the Library of Congress Police. Second, it provides funding for the organizations that enable the Senate to do its job. This includes funding for the Government Accountability Office and Congressional Budget Office that provide oversight and research functions for Congress. In order to meet the stiff demands they are under right now to provide facts and figures concerning major legislation they require adequate staff and technology. The bill also includes funding for offices like the Architect of the Capitol which is charged with maintenance and upkeep of facilities within the Capitol. Big Red Country Legislative Branch Appropriations is only one small part of the entire budget but in my new position as subcommittee chair it is an area where I can have a direct impact. My hope is to continue to influence overall spending and inject the Nebraska philosophy all along the way. Nebraska is Big Red Country. We are big on red but we are not big on red ink. It is a philosophy the federal government would do well to learn.

Senator's Column by Mike Johanns

Unintended And Unwanted Consequences Of Health Care Reform

July 13, 2009

Dear Nebraskans,

For six weeks, I've been writing to you about the challenges we face in our search for the right solutions to health care reform. I have sifted through the fluff and Washington rhetoric and hosted very productive tele-town halls and round tables to get Nebraskans' perspective on the issue. To wrap up this series, I'd like to stress the need for thorough deliberation in order to minimize the detrimental and unintended consequences I see hidden in the Senate bill.

Recent reports have claimed that the current Senate legislation would insure 97 percent of Americans. The reports also project a lower than expected cost of $611 billion over ten years.

Here the old adage applies: if it looks too good to be true, it probably is. When you read the fine print, the $611 billion only covers the cost for six years, as it will take four years for the programs to get up and running. The ten year cost is closer to $1.5 trillion. These numbers also leave out one very important aspect: Medicaid. In order to cover 97 percent of Americans, Medicaid would have to expand to cover up to 150 percent of the federal poverty level. The costs to cover this expansion are estimated to be more than $500 billion, and have not yet been factored into the bill. Therefore, the grand total for this legislation would be more than $2 trillion.

And it gets worse. Under the Senate plan, the federal government would only cover the cost of expanding Medicaid for five years before passing it onto state governments. For Nebraska, it would stress the state budget even more by adding $73 million annually. In other words, state taxpayers will shoulder the burden with both their state and federal taxes.

I spoke on the Senate floor last week to highlight another glaring unintended consequence. The bill would require companies with more than 25 employees to provide health insurance or else pay a $750 annual fine for each uncovered employee. Last year, the average annual amount spent by a company on health insurance for an employee was $3,983. So paying the bill's "fine" and pushing employees onto the government plan would amount to a savings of $3,233 per employee. That's not a fine, that's a bargain. One study estimates as many as 119 million Americans could be forced onto the government program by their employers. We must rethink this so that a government fine does not equate to an obviously smart business decision that leaves Americans with only one option: insurance run by the government, with bureaucrats making treatment decisions.

Lastly, a provision was recently added to the Senate bill that would require health insurance companies to contract with entities that perform abortions. This could literally mean a U.S. government mandate to insure abortions. I will strongly oppose this attempt at social engineering.

Funeral Services for Glenmore Krueger

Funeral services will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church in Blue Hill on Monday, July 13, for former Blue Hill resident, Glenmore W. Krueger, 81, who died Thursday July 9th at Perkins Pavilion, Good Samaritan Village in Hastings, NE. Glenmore was born September 13, 1927 to Henry and Anna (Farman) Krueger on a farm north of Blue Hill. He attended school in Blue Hill and graduated in 1946, May 8,, 1949 he was united in marriage to Betty Maul. They were privileged to enjoy 60 years together and raised five daughters, Glenda (Shaw) of Blue Hill, Patty (May), Polly (Peters), Lisa (St. John) and Gena (Kyle) all of Hastings. They farmed in the Blue Hill area for many years. After retiring they moved to Hastings in 1994. Glenmore was a life time member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Blue Hill and served on many boards and held many offices withing the church. He also sang in the church choir for many years. He especially enjoyed music and played several instruments. He was also an avid woodworker. Left behind to cherish his memory are his wife Betty, their five daughters and their husbands and many grandchildren as well as other relatives and friends.

Junior Snappers, Picture Perfect

The Blue Hill Leader and Thramer's Food Center teamed up to sponsor Junior Snappers as a part of the Blue Hill 4th of July Festival. Area youth were given disposable camera's donated by Thramer's Food Center and tasked with capturing images from the events and activities of the day. The cameras were then returned to the Blue Hill Leader who processed and published the photos. Community members can view the photos in the Blue Hill Leader or on their web site at http://www.bluehillleader.com/index.php?article=20090708172127 (account and log-in required). Community members are asked to vote on which photos they enjoy the most. Top photographers in each age category will receive prizes sponsored by Ron's Pharmacy, South Central State Bank, Glenwood Telephone, Pepsi-cola Bottling, and Eileen's Cookies.

Sizzling Summer Schedule at Hastings CCC

Central Community College's Hastings Campus has announced several short workshops and classes that are scheduled for this summer including instruction in computers, dance, cooking, job search, motorcycles, EMT, and nursing. CCC has also announced upcomming road closures due to summer construction. Computer Classes The Computer Training Center at Central Community College-Hastings will offer the following classes in August: – "Intermediate Word 2007," from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Aug. 4. The cost is $89. – "Advanced Excel 2007," from 6 to 10 p.m. on Aug. 11 and Aug. 13. The cost is $89. Preregistration is required at least a week in advance. For more information or to preregister, contact the Computer Training Center at (402) 461-2429; toll-free at 1-877-222-0780, ext. 2429; or by e-mail at rlurk@cccneb.edu. Class descriptions can be found at the college’s Web site at www.cccneb.edu/commed. Use "HastingsComputer" as the keyword search term. Dance Classes Two dance classes will be offered on Thursdays Aug. 6-27 in the Campus Center at Central Community College-Hastings. The "West Coast Swing" class will meet from 7 to 8 p.m. and the "Night Club Two Step" class will meet from 8:15 to 9:15 p.m. Both classes will be taught by Gloria Craven. Participants should wear comfortable clothing and shoes with leather soles. It isn’t necessary to have a partner to take either class. The cost of each class is $35 per person or $65 per couple. Class size is limited so preregistration is required to reserve a space. For more information or to register, contact Hastings Community Education Coordinator Susan Rinker at (402) 461-2431; toll-free at 1-877-222-0780, ext. 2431; or by e-mail at srinker@cccneb.edu. Organizational Meeting for EMT Class An organizational meeting for an Emergency Medical Technician course has been set for 7 p.m. on Aug. 3 in the Platte Building at Central Community College-Hastings. The class will begin on Aug. 20. In order to take the class, students must have a current health care provider CPR card. For more information or to enroll, contact Amy Marshall at (402) 461-2487; toll-free at 1-877-222-0780, ext. 2487; or by e-mail at amarshall@cccneb.edu. Job Search Workshop A job search workshop will be offered this summer at Central Community College-Hastings. Individuals may sign up to take the workshop either during the day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on July 27 and July 29 or in the evening from 6 to 10 p.m. on Aug. 3, 5 and 6. The workshop will focus on teaching effective skills for finding employment in today’s job market. Participants will learn how to search for jobs, build a network, promote and market themselves, write an attention-getting cover letter and an effective resume, gather references and recommendations, interview with confidence, and do the important follow-up. The cost is $45. For more information or to register, contact Hastings Community Education Coordinator Susan Rinker at (402) 461-2431; toll-free at 1-877-222-0780, ext. 2431; or by e-mail at srinker@cccneb.edu. Basic Motorcycle Rider Courses Four basic motorcycle rider courses will be offered in August at Central Community College-Hastings. The classes will meet Aug. 7-9, Aug. 14-16, Aug. 21-23 and Aug. 28-30. All four classes will meet from 6:30 to 10 p.m. on Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Professionally trained instructors will provide instruction both in the classroom and in a controlled riding area. The cost is $190 for individuals with a Nebraska driver’s license and $265 for students with an out-of-state license. Motorcycles and helmets will be provided. Class size is limited and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information or to preregister, contact the CCC Extended Learning Services Office at (402) 461-2441; toll-free at 1-877-222-0780, ext. 2441; or by e-mail at bkooy@cccneb.edu. A detailed brochure may be downloaded at www.cccneb.edu/motorcycle. Nursing Assistant Course A nursing assistant course will be offered Aug. 3-14 at Central Community College-Hastings. The 76-hour course is designed to teach basic patient care procedures to employees of hospitals, total health care facilities and nursing homes. The classroom will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 8 a.m. to noon on Saturdays. Preregistration is required. The cost is $285, which includes tuition and books. For more information or to preregister, contact the CCC Extended Learning Services Office at (402) 461-2441; toll-free at 1-877-222-0780, ext. 2441; or by e-mail at bkooy@cccneb.edu. Summer Cooking Class "Cooking with Flowers" will be the final cooking class offered in the "Summer Cooking with Lindsay" series at Central Community College-Hastings. Instructor Lindsay Steer is kitchen manager for the hospitality management and culinary arts program at CCC-Hastings. The class will meet from 6 to 9 p.m. on Aug. 3 and costs $25. Because cooking classes fill quickly, students must preregister to reserve a space. For more information or to preregister, contact Hastings Community Education Coordinator Susan Rinker at (402) 461-2431; toll-free at 1-877-222-0780, ext. 2431; or by e-mail at srinker@cccneb.edu. GED - ESL - ABE GED, English as a Second Language, and Adult Basic Education classes will be held throughout the summer. These Adult Education classes are held in the Head Start Building at 123 N. Marian Road. Classes are offered in partnership with the Hastings Literacy Program. GED classes help students who lack a high school diploma prepare to take and pass the GED exam. Classes are held every Monday & Wednesday from 9:00 am - 12:00 pm and from 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm. English as a Second Language (ESL) classes help students with a native language other than english learn to comprehend, speak, read and write in English. Classes are held every Tuesday & Thursday with class times at 9:00 am - 10:30 am, 10:30 am - 12:00 noon, 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm, and 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm. Adult Basic Education (ABE) classes help students improve basic literacy skills to include reading, language and math. Classes are held on Tuesdays & Wednesdays from 12:30 pm - 2:30 pm. All adult education classes are free of charge. For more information or to register for classes contact Jesse Alber or the Hastings Literacy Program at (402) 463 - 7323 or jalber@cccneb.edu. Main Entrance to be Closed due to Construction Beginning July 14, the main entrance to Central Community College-Hastings will be closed for about three weeks, because of road construction. During that time, the campus can be entered from its south side. The best route is to turn off Highway 6 and drive south on Showboat Road for one mile. Turn east on J Street and drive one more mile. Turn north onto Technical Boulevard and drive about a half mile to reach the campus.

Straight from the Horse's Mouth

by Duane A. Lienemann, UNL Extension Educator, Webster County I am sitting in my easy chair with my laptop computer trying to write down some thoughts for this week’s edition. I am sunburned and about every muscle in this old body is sore and tired and even my bones ache – but it is a good hurt. I just got back from the annual clean-up for the Webster County Fair. It was so nice to see so many young people, parents and even grandparents joining together to ready the barns, exhibit halls, arena and fairgrounds for another celebration of rural life – the county fair. It was also fun to see the young people compete in the first event of this and many other area fairs each year – the ice cream roll. Lots of giggling, “oohs and ahhs”, and some “yummy’s” were heard. Chocolate, Vanilla, Peach and even Oreo Cookie ice cream were some of the menu items. Ice, rock salt and ice cream recipes were the topic of the afternoon. The judge made her decisions, gave out her critiques and praise and the awards given out to the applause of competitors and spectators. If you have never seen this, you have missed what makes fairs so unique and memorable. It reminded me that 4-H and FFA is more than the livestock shows that take their honored position later this week. In activating my brain for the writing process, something came to mind that I read several years ago. It takes a look at the value of the livestock shows at county fairs, but could be applied to all segments of the event. I believe it comes from an old 4-H newsletter from another state, but the following segments that I am borrowing, I think are powerful and rather insightful and I would like to share those with the readers of this column. They are very appropriate. It goes as follows: Most likely we will have livestock shows as long as there are youngsters who have parents and grandparents. However, let's keep these shows in proper perspective. They are not beef shows, swine shows and sheep shows but they are KIDS SHOWS! The animal is simply the ticket for the youngster to take part. Through schools, Extension programs and other educational units, we constantly hear of improved teaching tools to better equip our young people for life. As we analyze all the new and innovative ideas, many of which are quite sound and very excellent methods, we find 4-H and FFA livestock projects are one of the oldest and greatest teaching tools that we have to teach youth life skills. Following are some life skills that 4-H and FFA County Fair livestock project members can gain: How to get along with people. A large number of people in society quit or lose their jobs because they cannot get along with others. 4-H and FFA members who show livestock are around people they have never met but have similar interests. They learn to communicate with these people. Sportsmanship. At a livestock show, there is only one Grand Champion. However, there are many winners. Most 4-H and FFA members who show livestock for any period of time usually experience the extreme high feeling of an exceptional effort and the extreme disappointment of a project that didn't turn out as well as was expected. Normally, win or lose, the competitors in the show ring (the 4-H and FFA members) can be seen after the show talking and enjoying life together. Responsibility. Feeding and daily chores in a 4-H and FFA livestock project teach responsibility. Top feeders follow the time clock in their daily efforts. This is a good habit to start at a young age and may reap youngsters substantial benefits in a career later in their lives. Attend to details. Most young people take care of major items in a 4-H and FFA livestock project like fencing, feeding, etc. However many times it's the little things that make a different: keeping water tanks and feed troughs clean, working on grooming and showmanship several months before the show, keeping pens clean and close observation for sickness and disease. Paying attention to details is beneficial in almost everything we do in life. Decision making. Decision making is never easy at any point in our lives. 4-H and FFA livestock projects require several key decisions be made: selection of project animals, selection of feeding method, care and management decisions, fitting and grooming techniques, etc. Goal setting. For every successful 4-H and FFA livestock project, there is usually a good plan. Most details and plans for the project on selection, feeding and management of the project have been planned well in advance. Goal setting is important for everyone regardless of future endeavors. Are 4-H and FFA Fair livestock projects successful? We may hear some negative things about them but these projects are a long way ahead of whatever is in second place in helping teach our young people to adjust to life. Next time you are at a livestock show, study the kids instead of the animals. You will notice that most classes have several winners, not just the one standing in first place. I could not have said that any better and it does reflect what I have felt for many years. The fair will be in full swing when you read this. If you are within driving distance, come visit us at the fair. You can find all of the events at our website: http://webstercountyfair.org . See you at the fair!! Study more than the projects – study those wholesome kids! The preceding information comes from the research and personal observations of the writer which may or may not reflect the views of UNL or UNL Extension. Parts are reprinted from California 4-H Staff October 1989 Newsletter For more further information on these or other topics contact D. A. Lienemann, UNL Extension Educator for Webster County in Red Cloud, (402) 746-3417 or email to: dlienemann2@unl.edu

Alumni Beef Showmanship at Webster County Fair

Saturday, July 18 will bring the annual 4-H and FFA Alumni Showmanship Event that will cap off the livestock competition at the 2009 Edition of the Webster County 4-H and FFA Fair. The contest would actually be a two part contest. The first flight will be a serious and competitive “Beef Showmanship Contest for 4-H and FFA Alumni”, complete with a traveling trophy and medal going to the Champion. This event will be a free-will donation for those that want to contribute to the judge fees, and of course towards the Webster County Youth Foundation. The second flight will be a “Just for Fun (bribery of the judge allowed, anything goes)”, alumni showmanship contest, similar to what was held in the past. All proceeds from the event will go to the Webster County Youth Foundation. A sign-up sheet will be kept in the 4-H office in the 4-H Exhibit Hall. Sign-up can be done at anytime during the fair right up until show time. It is slated to start at 2:30 p.m. and will be held at the livestock arena at the Webster County Fairgrounds in Bladen, directly following the pre-4-H Rainbow Classic that starts at 12:30 pm. The special guest judge this year is Tim Burke, of Burke Show Cattle of Genoa. Tim is a long time beef producer and is well known for his outstanding club calves and his showmanship skills. Tim is also a fun loving individual who should make this event unique. The alumni show will be held at the livestock arena at the Webster County Fairgrounds in Bladen. Sign-up in the fair 4-H office is requested, but not required. The 4-H Council is hoping to have alumni of all ages try their hand at beef showmanship. The showman may bring their own beef animal, or may borrow one from one of the Webster County beef exhibitors. If an alumnus needs a calf, all they have to do is talk to one of the exhibitors and ask to borrow their calf. The nice thing about the alumni show is that it promotes dialogue with alumni and the current exhibitors who need to be asked by alumni to provide a beef and perhaps the equipment necessary to show the animal. This will be a blow and show contest similar to the beef showmanship that is held during the youth competition. There is no age limit and it is open to all 4-H and FFA Alumni regardless of where they grew up. Here is a chance for past 4-H and FFA exhibitors to dig out the old scotch combs and show-sticks and compete perhaps against the same people they did 5, 10, 20 or perhaps 50 years ago. A note for the young exhibitors ---Wouldn’t it be fun to be on the other side of the fence when your dad or mom or maybe grandparents are in the ring?? Perhaps you can point and whisper instructions to them, just like they do or did to you. Be prepared for an alumnus that may ask to use your steer or heifer. This should prove to be an exciting and fun event.

Youth Foundation Auction at Webster County Fair

The Webster County Youth Foundation Auction will once again be held during the beef portion of the 4-H/FFA Livestock Auction, Saturday, July 18 which starts at 9:00 a.m. The Webster County Youth Foundation was started eight years ago to help procure funds for added purse for the production side of livestock for Webster County 4-H and FFA exhibitors. Because of the success of the foundation drive over the last several years, this year’s champions and reserve champions in the select breeding beef classes will receive an additional premium award of $60 and $30 respectively and select breeding sheep and goat classes and breeding gilts will receive additional premium awards of $30 and $15 respectively for over $800 added purse each year for the breeding livestock shows. Highlights of this year’s auction during the 4-H & FFA Premium Auction include 2 tons of Creep Feed that is provided by Gary Kohmetscher of Kohmetscher Feeds and Purina Mills. Scott Bonifas and Webster County 4-H Council has joined forces to offer choice of one of Scotts ½ blood Simmental bulls for April, 2010 delivery. Buyer will get to pick from 3 to 4 yearling bulls some of which are sired by OCC Legend 616L. Scott has been raising bulls for several years now and has a very good selection of high quality bulls to choose from. This auction is not limited to just 4-H or FFA members. Anyone who puts up their hand will have a chance to buy their choice of these bulls or the creep feed. If you are interested in bidding but can’t attend, please call 402-469-0357 and we will bid for you. Another highlight will be a special recognition that will be delivered during this year’s event for a honorarium from a long time 4-H family in Webster County. There is also an excellent array of silent auction items that will be available for bid throughout the fair. There will be a booth in the 4-H exhibit hall that will have descriptions of the items and sheets on which to place your bid. You may bid anytime up to the last tap of the gavel during the 4-H & FFA Livestock Premium Auction at which time bids will close. Included this year: 1 - Protein Lick Tub from Farmers Union Cooperative of Guide Rock; 2 - 5 gallon buckets of John Deere Extend 50 Motor Oil from Samuelson’s Equipment Red Cloud/Hastings; 1 - Bull check with Bovishield Vibreo/Lepto vaccination and Pour-On compliments of Dr. Dave Rethorst of South Central Herd Health, of Red Cloud, NE; 6 - 500 ml. bottles of Dectamax Injectable Dewormer from Pfizer Animal Health; 1 - 5 liter jug of Cydectin Pour-on from Ft. Dodge Animal Health; 200 - TEG Componet Implants with Tylan from Elanco Animal Health; 1 - Gallon Safe-Guard Dewormer from Intervet Animal Health; 10 straw of semen out of Gonsior Laredos Dream from Burken Cattle Company (Hans Burken) of Blue Hill, NE (pedigree will be available for viewing); and a unique offering from Circle L Maines of Blue Hill. Courtney Lovett is providing 3 embryos from Draft Pick (sire) & a 6807 Angus donor cow. All of the proceeds from the live auction and the silent auction will go the Webster County Youth Foundation and will continue to provide incentives for young people to exhibit breeding animal projects and continue the production side of animal agriculture. The Webster County Youth Foundation serves as an entity to which individuals may donate; bequeath by will or trust proceeds from an estate; or simply serve as a vehicle for contributions, with the purpose to serve the youth involved in the 4-H and FFA programs in and around the Webster County area and involved with the Webster County Fair, 4-H, or FFA activities. The Webster County Youth Foundation is a part of an existing verified non-profit entity under Section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Any donations, contributions or proceeds from a trust or will would be tax-deductible and would go to help the youth of our county.

City Council to Set Recall Date

Webster County Clerk, Lonnie Kenehans has verified 134 of 144 signatures from 10 circulated recall petitions and has notified the governing body of the City of Blue Hill of their responsibility to set a date for a recall election of Councilman Andy Alber. Based upon Nebraska Statute, 32-1303, 89 signatures were required to initiate the recall election. Pursuant to Nebraska Statute 32-1306(2), the city council shall order an election to be held sometime between August 7 and August 22, 2009. The City Council will discuss "possible action needed to set date for recall election" at its regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, July 14, 2009. The meeting is scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m. Other items on the July agenda include: final Plat of the Koepke subdivision, curb and gutter projects and payments, Increasing electric rates, increasing utility deposits, installing reserved / handicapped parking stalls at fitness center, installing 15 min ute parking stalls in front of City Hall, pest control services, rug service, illegally parked vehicles, incentive program concerning having a Webster County Sheriff's deputy live in Blue Hill, city council salary schedule, city office hours and more.

Webster County 4-H & FFA Fair Just Around the Corner

The 103rd Webster County Fair at Bladen, Nebraska is just around the corner. This is the second year for an earlier start to the fair. The fair runs from Friday, July 10 with the annual clean-up. The first of many youth events start at 1:00 pm on clean-up day when 4-H youth bring their favorite recipes for home made ice cream and will participate in an ice cream roll using duct tape, coffee cans and ice to make ice cream that will then be judged. The livestock portion of the fair starts officially at the Rodeo Grounds at the Webster County Fairgrounds in Bladen with a new event that debuts this year. The Working Ranch Horse Competition is set to begin at 7:00 pm on Saturday evening, July 11th and features 4-H and FFA working their horse through events that emulates tasks that would be required on a cattle ranch. The following morning (Sunday, July 12) the 4-H & FFA Horse Show gets underway with a 9:00 am start time. The youth portion of the fair continues through the week with many activities for the youth including the 4-H music contest and fashion show starting at 7:00 pm at the Blue Hill high school gymnasium in Blue Hill on Monday evening July 13. The rest of the week will bring a little different schedule of events than what has been followed in previous years. The following information will help both exhibitors and attendees prepare for the fair. There is reserved parking for 4-H and FFA members and parents again this year. Vehicle and camper parking will not be allowed on the rodeo grounds this year and a special lot located north and east of the beef barns has been set up for this purpose. This area requires passes that can be obtained from the 4-H office at the fairgrounds. Livestock trailers are expected to be parked at the lot located to the east of the sheep and small animal barn, and if space fills up then they may park on the far North side of the Timm/Sorensen lot where the camper parking is located. Tuesday, July 14 brings the judging of the home environment, miscellaneous agriculture exhibits, foods, horticulture, photography, and other static exhibits starting that morning, with the 4-H and FFA Poultry and Rabbit show starting at 8:30 am. All other livestock with the exception of 1st year bucket calves and stocker feeders will be checked in and weighed throughout the day. Please check your Webster County fair premium book for exact times for each species. The 4-H/FFA Swine Show starts at 8:30 am on Wednesday morning, July 15. The swine show includes a breeding gilt class which is separate from the market swine show. The 4-H/FFA Beef Show is split this year with the Beef Showmanship event beginning Wednesday afternoon at 1:00 pm. The 4-H/FFA cat, dog and exotic animal show begins at 4:00 pm in the evening starting with the dog show followed at 7:00 pm with the cat, small and exotic animal show. Thursday, July 16 is a very busy day at the Webster County Fair. The 4-H/FFA Meat Goat Show will follow the 4-H and FFA Sheep Show that starts at 8:30 am. There is a new addition to the Meat Goat Show this year with a Breeding Meat Goat Female class. There will be once again a “Best Dressed Goat” contest that will be held at the conclusion of the live show. This should prove to be an entertaining and fun event for exhibitors and spectators alike. The First Year Bucket Calf competition will be held during the day and includes record book review, an interview and a complete bucket calf evaluation and showmanship event. The competition continues on Thursday with the State Fair qualifying Round Robin Showmanship starting at 2:30 pm and we will terminate that day with an Ak-Sar-Ben qualifying 4-H/FFA Beef Team Fitting Contest starting at 4:00 pm. The 4-H/FFA Market and Breeding Beef show will go all day Friday, July 17, starting at 8:30 a.m. with finals of the Webster County Beef Showmanship. The top two senior and top two intermediate beef showmen will be determined at the Wednesday afternoon show, but will come back on Friday morning to compete for Grand Champion Beef Showman under a different judge. Upon crowning of the Grand Champion Beef Showman, the Market Beef competition will begin, including the Grand Champion Market Beef final drive and results of the Beef Carcass contest. The 4-H/FFA Breeding Beef show will begin at 1:00 pm, or ½ hour after the completion of the market beef show, which ever is later, on Friday afternoon. The breeding beef show will conclude with the crowning of the Grand Champion Webster County Breeding Heifer and then the Supreme Champion Breeding Beef. The annual 4-H & FFA Livestock Premium Auction and special Webster County Youth Foundation activities will be held on Saturday morning, July 18 starting at 9:00 am. There will a return of the Silent Auction with items donated by area businessmen and producers to go towards the benefit of the Foundation. The items and further information will be highlighted on flyers put up across area communities and a later newsletter articles. There is a change in the Premium Auction this year. Premium on the Grand Champion of each species will each be sold at the beginning of the auction with the opportunity for the buyer to have their picture taken with the animal and exhibitor that they are supporting, and that picture will be given to each of them and forwarded to local newspapers. The premium auction would then follow the procedures as it has in previous years. Saturday afternoon also features a very popular event each year with the Rainbow Classic where pre-4-H youth have a chance to show their pets and sibling’s exhibits in front of dignitary judges. This fun event will start at 12:30 p.m. There will be a special guest judge again this year. The last event of the day and the Webster County 4-H and FFA Fair is the 4-H and FFA Alumni Beef Showmanship Contest. This contest would actually be a two part contest. The first flight will be a serious and competitive “Beef Showmanship Contest for 4-H and FFA Alumni”, complete with a traveling trophy and medal going to the Champion. This event will be a free-will donation for those that want to contribute to the judge fees and of course towards the Webster County Youth Foundation. The second flight will be a “Just for Fun (bribery of the judge allowed, anything goes)”, alumni showmanship contest. The event is slated to start at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday afternoon, July 19 with a special guest judge with Webster County ties and beef showmanship history. The show will be held at the livestock arena at the Webster County Fairgrounds in Bladen. We are hoping to have alumni of all ages try their hand at showmanship. All proceeds from the event will go to the Webster County Youth Foundation. The showman may bring their own beef animal or may borrow one from one of the Webster County beef exhibitors. The nice thing about the alumni show is that it promotes dialogue with alumni and the current exhibitors who need to be asked by alumni to provide a beef and perhaps the equipment necessary to show the animal. All exhibits will be in place this year throughout the day on Saturday and through Saturday evening in order that fair-goers will have a chance to see the exhibits that the youth have worked so diligently on during the year, and bring to the fair for competition, and to show the public what they have accomplished. This includes static exhibits at the 4-H Exhibit Hall and the animals from the livestock barns. There will be “Champions Under the Lights” again this year which will feature and highlight the different Grand Champions and Reserve Grand Champions in the market division of each livestock species (beef, swine, sheep, goat, rabbit and poultry). They will be put in pens in the show arena for all to see under the lights of the arena, with the exception of swine that will be highlighted on the west end of the hog building. The other outstanding exhibits will be in the barns for all to see. All non-auction exhibits will be released at 11:00 pm on Saturday night or Sunday morning before noon. All leaders, 4-H and FFA youth, parents are expected back at the fairgrounds on Sunday morning (July 20) to load out the market animals on the trucks for the buyers and to participate in the post-fair clean-up day. We ask that everyone grab shovels, brooms and pitchforks and have them ready on Sunday morning and help put the fairgrounds back into its pristine shape and ready for the 104th edition of the Webster County Fair at Bladen, Nebraska next year. The very last event of this year’s fair will be the post-fair Evaluation meeting that will be held in the 4-H Exhibit Hall at the fairgrounds on Wednesday, July 22nd, starting at 7:30 pm. If you have concerns, comments, or ideas to help make next year’s fair even better, we invite your input at this meeting. For a more complete list of activities or any questions concerning the youth portion of the fair, please contact the Webster County extension office in Red Cloud at 402-746-3417 or check out the web site at: http://www.webstercountyfair.org/