Straight From the Horse's Mouth

Duane A. Lienemann, UNL Extension Educator, Webster County

August 15, 2009 Edition

I would normally at this time be researching legislation or keeping an eye out for things that are affecting the agricultural arena and then putting this information this newsletter. There are a lot of things that are happening in our world that I could definitely write about and in fact I have pages of notes ready for rumination. However, I spent last weekend being a 4-H Grandfather and I thought I would shift gears somewhat and speak towards that. I have spent most of my working life being on a different end of a county fair or livestock show. This past week I had the chance to be an observer and a participant. I found it really stimulating and gratifying to be that 4-H Grandfather. It was really fun watching my grandson show his Shorthorn steer and heifer stocker feeders at the Lancaster County Fair. He even showed a goat to a high ribbon placing and to a Jr. Showmanship Championship. I didn’t get to see that, but was he a proud young man when he showed me his trophy. I did get there for the beef show and boy did the past come back. It had been awhile since I washed a calf, let alone groom it. I guess it is a bit like riding a bicycle. Even if you haven’t been on one for quite awhile, you still don’t forget how to do it. I had the opportunity to once again grab a blower and a scotch comb to help him get ready for show. I forgot how therapeutic that actually is. I did find it a lot harder however to get up from the kneeling position. I kept looking for something else I could do while I was down there! I also forgot how wet you get washing a calf, and as a result ended up with a very wet billfold – I remembered too late that you take those out when doing that task! It was also fun to watch the smile on this young man’s face when he got Champion Stocker Feeder and a big trophy. That erased the disappointment that he had in the Showmanship event where the calf didn’t want to cooperate and he was relegated to a lesser award. A big smile of accomplishment is hard to describe! Such is the value of the 4-H and FFA events like this. Young people learn that things don’t always fall in your favor, yet with hard work and perseverance you can still succeed. You could see the confidence grow each time that he was in the ring and what a difference it made. He went from disappointment and perhaps a little discouragement to confidence and a feeling of success all in the span of a few short hours. I have watched that same thing happen to many young people, for many years at livestock shows and other events that help teach young people how the “real” world works. It helps build character, perseverance, responsibility and most importantly critical thinking. They “learn from doing”, even if it entails making some mistakes. They see what they can do better and then practice that. That is still the best way to learn. It is what makes us all better human beings and members of society. We are all better off because of these opportunities that we afford these young people through things like a livestock and other shows and competition. Just so I don’t get in trouble with my grand daughter, who does not have an interest at this time in livestock – she got a purple ribbon on her sewing project (a very nice pillow) and her cooking project (cookies). She was just as proud and learned a lot of the same lessons from a different point of view. Of course Grandpa was proud of that as well and makes you remember that there are different interests than those that you normally gravitate towards that are just as important! Through livestock and other projects, youth learn life lessons and build valuable skills that help them throughout their lifetime. While caring for an animal youth learn responsibility, patience, and compassion for animals. Youth livestock shows have always been a vital part of our livestock industries. Showing livestock helps develop youth’s interest in animal agriculture and helps them become better community citizens. The experience also helps to build the livestock industry because these youth become advocates for agricultural issues. Competition, like livestock shows, provide important networking opportunities for young people to meet successful agricultural industry leaders and make friends all over the country. Youth and their parents involved in livestock shows find their experiences extremely rewarding. The youth are able to learn the business and record keeping skills necessary to run a livestock enterprise at an early age. Many of the older children learn leadership skills by showing the younger children how to properly fit and show their animals. Youth also get the opportunity to win premiums, trophies, and ribbons for showmanship, project record books, and exhibiting. The premium money can be saved for college tuition and there are many opportunities available to livestock showmen. The prizes serve as a bonus for children for all their hard work. However, nothing can compare to the youth's learning experience and the companionship they receive from their show animal. If you don’t believe me, watch a young 4-H or FFA member say goodbye to their animal at the end of its show career. I believe fully that it is a good idea for parents to help youth get involved in 4-H at a young age and to encourage them to continue these experiences. As children get older, they get busy with a myriad of school and community activities including sports practices of all kinds, baseball, soccer, and football games. It takes a really dedicated young person to keep up those 4-H and FFA activities, and those that do reap the benefits as they continue on in their quest of life. The preceding information comes from the research and personal observations of the writer which may or may not reflect the views of UNL or UNL Extension. For more further information on these or other topics contact D. A. Lienemann, UNL Extension Educator for Webster County in Red Cloud, (402) 746-3417 or email to: dlienemann2@unl.edu

Sheehy Elected to Leadership

Nebraska Lt. Gov. Rick Sheehy has been elected as one of three officers leading the National Lieutenant Governors Association. Sheehy was elected treasurer during a recent meeting of the association in Baltimore. As treasurer, he will lead the association's finance committee. Sheehy has represented Midwestern states on the association's executive committee since 2007. In addition to becoming an officer at the recent annual meeting, Sheehy moderated a conversation on cyber security with U.S. Department of Homeland Security officials. He also co-sponsored a resolution on the adoption of health-information technology in states.

Bland Receives Horatio Alger Scholarship

The Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans is pleased to announce that it has awarded scholarships to 50 deserving high school students in Nebraska including Cody Bland of Ayr, Nebraska. Bland, who is a 2009 graduate of Blue hill High School, will attend the University of Nebraska at Kearney this fall majoring in Criminal Justice and Political Science. Bland and other winners were the recent guests of Governor Dave Heineman and First Lady Sally Gannon for dinner at the Governor's Mansion in Lincoln.

The 2010 Horatio Alger Scholarships are now open for competition. High school seniors from across the country are encouraged to apply now through October 30, 2009 for the financial assistance that is crucial to many who seek a bachelor’s degree, and ultimately, a brighter future. An online application can be found at http://www.horatioalger.org/scholarships.

Each scholar will receive $5,000 to assist in funding their college education. The students are selected for the Horatio Alger Ak-Sar-Ben State Scholarship because they persevered in overcoming adversity while also demonstrating excellence in academics, admirable character and community contributions.

“The Ak-Sar-Ben scholars have overcome great obstacles and we are proud to present this award,” said David L. Sokol, president and chief executive officer of the Horatio Alger Association. “Through this scholarship program, we celebrate their accomplishments and help them reach their future goals.”

The Horatio Alger State Scholarship Programs range from $2,500 to $10,500 and are sponsored by Horatio Alger members and friends. These scholarships are offered in 29 states. In 2009, the programs are awarding more than 600 state scholarships to students throughout the country. The Ak-Sar-Ben scholarships are made possible by The Knights of Ak-Sar-Ben Foundation, which has supported the state with scholarships through the Horatio Alger Association since 2006.

“We are indebted to the contributions of The Knights of Ak-Sar-Ben Foundation,” Sokol added. “The foundation is truly a steward of the Horatio Alger mission. Their support enables us to continue to offer young people access to a brighter future through higher education.” Horatio Alger scholars are provided with numerous resources to ensure a successful college career. Each student receives: financial aid guidance to assist in the selection of, and preparation for, college; access to the association’s Web site, where students can create online profiles, search for fellow scholars, update their personal information, submit disbursement requests and direct questions to the association; and access to a toll-free information line, to speak to program coordinators for assistance with questions about their scholarships and other educational programs.

Scholars are encouraged to remain connected with the association throughout their lives and become active members of the Horatio Alger alumni group.

Founded in 1947, the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans continues to fulfill its mission of honoring the achievements of outstanding individuals in our society who have succeeded in spite of adversity and of encouraging young people to pursue their dreams through higher education. The Horatio Alger Association offers three annual scholarship programs: the National Scholarship Program, State Scholarship Programs and Graduate Grants. The association awards nearly $7 million annually in college scholarships and has given more than $63 million to deserving students since 1984. The association is a 2008-2009 Combined Federal Campaign participant. For more information, please visit http://www.horatioalger.org/.

Winners Glowing with Joy

Winners of the Blue Hill Golf Association Glow Ball Tournament held on August 8 were; First Flight 1st -- Tyler Peterson and Brad Spilinek 2nd -- Steve & Joe Fielder Second Flight 1st (tie) -- Adam & Heather Boettcher 1st (tie) -- Jon Beavers & Shannon Samuelson Flag prizes went to; Riley Hall -- closest to pin from off green at hole #1. Adam Boettcher -- longest put at hole #2. Myron Schaefer -- closest to pin from east side of creek at hole #4. Galen Rutt -- longest put at hole #7. Greg Polhmeier -- closest to pin from off the green at hole #8.

DVD Collection at BH Library

The public library now has 45 movies available for patrons to check out thanks to a grant from the Glenwood Telephone Membership Corporation and proceeds raised from Friends of the Library Foundation projects including the recent 4th of July Basket Raffle. Additional movies will be added to the selection on a regular basis. Patron suggestions will be considered as new movies are ordered.

All residents of Blue Hill are elligable to sign up for a free Library card. Rural residents may apply for a card at a nominal fee. The Blue Hill Public Library is a member of the Nebraskard program which entitles Blue Hill Library card holders to check out books or materials from any one of 63 participating libraries in Nebraska to include Hastings, UNK, Grand Island, Clay Center, Nelson, Red Cloud and Superior.

Check out http://www.nlc.state.ne.us/nebraskard/ for more information on the NebrasKard program.

Sundae's on Sunday

Cavalry Lutheran Church in Rosemont, Nebraska, will host a Sundae Social on Sunday, August 16, 2009, from 6:00 - 9:00 pm. Free will donations will be accepted with all proceeds going to benefit the Webster County Food Pantry. Thrivent Financial for Lutheran's has committed to matching the first $100 of proceeds from this event.

City Council Discussion

The Blue Hill City Council met on Tuesday, August 11. Mayor Schunk called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Some of the items discussed and business conducted included;

• Building permits were approved for John Weddingfeld, Roy Wibben and Darren Gerdes.
• The council recommended that the automatic renewal of the liquor license for Klancy's Kafe be approved.
• Discussed complaints submitted by residents concerning dogs at 906 W. Seward St. The Clerk's office will investigate the possibility of contracting with the Adams County Humane Society for animal control.
• Wording changes to Ordinance No. 615 pertaining to Dangerous / Vicious Dogs was approved to define the Mayor or City Council as the Director of Vicious Dogs.
• Complaints by residence in reference to an obstructed alley were discussed. Gary Stertz will call the property owner who caused the obstruction to discuss removal.
• Mayor Schunk reported on recent conversations with Sheriff Schmitz.
• Discussion was held on the progress of current street projects. Improvements to York Street east of Sycamore Street (near tennis courts) will be postponed until Spring of 2010.
• Discussion was held on an Interlocal Agreement presented by the Nebraska League of Municipalities.
• Discussion was held on a Building Entrepreneurial Communities Marketing Grant Opportunity. Contact will be made with Glenwood to get their input.
• Approval was given to remove obstructions from an alley near 504 S. Ash Street.
• A process for declaring vehicles abandoned or illegally parked and for their removal was reviewed and adopted. Dennis Timms will be contacted to remove vehicles after proper notice has been given to owners.
• Discussion was held on reserved parking signs to be placed at the Blue Hill Fitness Center. The matter has been turned over to the Fitness Center Board.
• Discussion was held on a pre-application for a grant to make improvements to the Community / Senior Center. The application will be submitted with minor changes.
• The Council adopted a plan to compensate elected officials based upon attendance at regularly scheduled meetings. Currently Council Members make $1,000 per year and the Mayor makes $1,500 per year. Based upon the adopted plan, which would take effect in December of 2010, Council Members would receive $83.33 per meeting (based upon regular monthly meetings only) and the Mayor will receive $125 per meeting. A member need only be present for a majority of agenda items to be considered present for the meeting.
• Discussion was held on a proposed update to personnel policies. A revised copy will be presented at the September meeting.
• Discussion was held on pest control providers and costs. The Clerks office will clarify information on one of the proposals.
• Discussion was held on the Blue Hill municipal website. http://www.bluehillne.com/. Contact will be made with Glenwood to encourage updates or to provide administrative tools to the city.
• August 17, 2009, at 7:30 p.m. was set as the date for the 2010 Budget Workshop.
• Gary Stertz was re-appointed as Blue Hill's representative on the MEAN Board of Directors.
• September 15, 2009, at 7:30 p.m. was set as the date for the September City Council Meeting. This is one week later than the normal scheduled date due to the Labor Day holiday.
• Discussion was held on the completion of a probationary employment period for the Deputy City Clerk with approval of a compensation increase. Discussion was held on employee performance appraisals and appraisal forms were reviewed.

The meeting was adjourned at 11:40 p.m.

Councilman's Column by Jesse Alber

Held to a Higher Standard At first glance of the City Council Agenda, it usually appears that a good deal of business is conducted each month. This months agenda consisted of 20 plus items of business which took over four hours to address. I speculate, however, that at least 1/3 of these items of business will reappear on next months agenda. Some items that really could have used prompt attention will have to wait until next month while more research is conducted or proper notices are provided. I often get frustrated with the pace at which government, at all levels, works. At this month's meeting, I felt that a recurring question continued to surface throughout several items of business. Is it appropriate to hold certain members of the community to a higher standard based upon the business that they run or the position that they hold? Should a business be held to a higher standard than the community at large because its operation requires special licensing? Should our Mayor be held to a higher standard on issues of municipal code because of the position she holds? How about council members? Should owners of certain breeds of dogs be held to a higher standard of care than other pet owners? To some extent, I feel that the recall election on August 18 addresses this question. Councilman Andy Alber most likely wrote and said some things that the majority of the community would consider inappropriate for an individual in his position. But, had Andy not held a seat on the Council, I doubt little would have ever been mentioned about his comments. Andy is being held to a higher standard on this issue due to his position. The Council recommended approval of the liquor license for Klancy's Kafe with only modest discussion. As was the case two years ago, I was the only dissenting vote on this issue. I do not believe the fox should be given the keys to the chicken coop. With the recommended approval, I am confident that Kevin is NOT being held to a higher standard in this case. The council has had ordinances in place for years which require the licensing of cats and dogs with the city office. However, there is more than one member of the current council that is a pet owner and has never licensed their pet. This ordinance has never been enforced and probably about 90% of the pet owners in our community have never registered their pets either. But, here we have a situation where the council does not set the example and the members are not held to a higher standard. City ordinance states that any vehicle parked on the street for more than a 24 hour period is an illegally parked vehicle. Vehicles parked with the driver's side to the curb, are also illegally parked vehicles. Vehicle's parked on the city right of way without proper licensing are also in violation. However, our Mayor has a vehicle that sits for weeks at a time on the street in front of her home without being moved. This same vehicle had expired tags for several months while it was parked on the street before they were renewed. I and other council members have been guilty of parking on the wrong side of the street on more than one occassion. No harm, no foul. Another example of not being held to a higher standard. For those of you who wish to hold me to a higher standard, I am sure I will fail miserably. I could do more work around the yard to keep it neat. I should water and mow my grass more often. I need to finish my fence and egress window. I should attend Community Club meetings and church services more regularly. I should see that my son's dog is properly licensed. I shouldn't park on the east side of the street facing south. I should loose some weight. I should be more patient. And, definately, I should have been a better kid when growing up. But the fact is, we place a good deal of faith in certain members of our community. We trust our banker to safeguard our finances, our grocer to sell us fresh, safe and quality foods, our doctor to keep us and our family healthy, our teachers to educate and care for our kids, our mechanic to keep us on the road, and, of course, our elected representatives to be good stewards of our resources and to prepare our community for growth and vitality. However, trust is typically earned; not granted, and trust can be lost quite easily. Because we have so much vested in our banker, grocer, doctor, teacher, mechanic, city council, and even our bar tender, it is just human nature to want to hold them to a higher standard than we hold others or even ourselves. Just meeting the bare minimum is not enough to maintain that trust. If they fail to meet this higher standard, they will probably loose our trust. Once trust is lost, it is very difficult to re-establish. Once we loose faith, problems are bound to persist. So, in order to maintain that trust, our choices are to lower our standards, or to select individuals who can meet the higher standards we set and replace those who do not. (Hence, recall elections.) We should not have unrealistic expectations but beware of the risks of lowering our standards and the challenges of meeting them.

Blue Hill Mourns Former Mayor

Russell Wayne Willems, 75, of Blue Hill, Nebraska, died Sunday, August 9, 2009, at the Blue Hill Care Center, Blue Hill, Nebraska. Services are Thursday, August 13, 2009 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Blue Hill, Nebraska, 10:00 A.M. with Pastor Don Cosson officiating. Burial will be in the Blue Hill Cemetery, Blue Hill, Nebraska. Memorials may be sent to St. Paul Lutheran Church, Blue Hill Fire Dept./EMT unit or the Blue Hill Community Foundation. Visitation will be Tuesday August 11, and Wednesday, August 12, 2009, from 9:00 A.M. - 9:00P.M. at Merten-Butler Mortuary and one hour prior to services at the church. Merten-Butler Mortuary of Blue Hill, Nebraska , is in charge of arrangements.

Russ was the second of five sons born to John H. & Ida (Hinrich) Willems on February 22, 1934, on a farm near Gilead, NE. He attended rural school through the eighth grade and two years of high school at Hebron, NE. His family then moved to an Adams County farm and he attended Blue Hill High School graduating in 1951. For the next four years he held jobs with Adams County, The Naval Ammunition Depot, and the State Highway Dept. He was drafted in May 1955 and served in the U. S. Army until his discharge in May 1957. On December 22, 1957, he married Wilma J. Stroh at Calvary Lutheran Church, Rosemont, NE. They made their home in Ayr, NE and Russ learned his carpentry, plumbing, and electrical skills as he renovated their first home. Russ returned to his job with the State Highway Dept., where he remained until 1960. He also served as the Village Clerk of Ayr, NE. In the fall of 1960 he accepted a job as Village Clerk and street commissioner for Blue Hill where his family moved in 1961. Over the next several years he added the water and sewer departments to his responsibilities and served on the board of directors for the Nebraska League of Municipalities. In 1974 he took a leap of faith when he quit his city positions and began his own construction business. Russ devoted his adult life to the City of Blue Hill. He was instrumental in getting curb and gutter in place so that residents could get black-topped streets, which he laid. He served on the city council and for ten years was proud to serve as Blue Hill's Mayor. Health reasons forced him to resign as mayor in December of 2008. Throughout, he was an advocate for Blue Hill and its businesses. His volunteer work for the community was substantial. He was a member of the Blue Hill Fire Dept. Since 1961 and in 1974 was a charter ember of the EMT squad. He answered hundreds of fire and medical calls. He was a member of St. Paul Lutheran church where he was active in a variety of capacities. For many years he served as treasurer, council member, and devotions leader. Russ was an avid bowler and in his retirement, a golfer. He also took much pleasure in his daughters, grandchildren, and their activities.

He is survived by his wife, Wilma, Blue Hill, NE, (4) daughters: Carol (Brent) McClung, Big Springs, NE; Sharon (Doug) Hartman, Columbus, NE; Beverly (Patrick) Haschke, Sioux Falls, SD; Nancy (Bryan) Kotschwar, Big Springs, Ne; 12) grandchildren: mark, James and John McClung, Big Springs, NE :Jeff Hartman and his fiancee, Ashley Strehl’ Beth and Susan Hartman, all of Columbus, NE: Brandon and Katelyn Haschke, Sioux Falls, SD ‘ Matt (Liz) Haschke, Wayne, NE; Jennifer (Wes) Policky, Waukesha, WI: Lindsey and Grace Kotschwar, Big Springs, NE:” (4) great-grandchildren; Riley & Benjamin Haschke, Wayne, NE; Isabelle & Payton Policky, Waukesha, WI; (2) brothers: Glenn (Julie) of Brighton, Co, and Orville of Davis, SD; and (1) sister-in-law Mildred Willems, Blue Hill, NE. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Eldon and Alvin.

Congressman's Column by Adrian Smith

The Fight over the Second Amendment

...the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed. - Amendment II

Those 14 words, perhaps more than any others in the U.S. Constitution, have inspired discussions, arguments and legal debates for years and years.

Now, legislation introduced in January by Rep. Bobby Rush (D-IL) and lingering in the House Judiciary Committee has stirred up emotions on both sides of the gun control issue and once again brought these words into the spotlight.

Rush's bill, the Blair Holt's Firearm Licensing and Record of Sale Act (H.R. 45), establishes a federal licensing and registration regime under the direction of the U.S. Attorney General and would make it a criminal act not to register as an owner of a firearm.

The bill will also:

• Establish a federal licensing requirement for ownership of handguns and semiautomatic weapons, not including antiques, with application requirements which include a photograph of the gun owner, fingerprinting of the gun owner, a current address, a completed, written firearms safety test, and private mental health records. These licenses must be renewed every five years;

• Create a federal registration database for handguns and semiautomatics to which every new sale or transfer - including transfers among private individuals - in America must be reported within 14 days;

• Require a background check to be performed in any transfer of guns and provides penalties of up to two years in jail for failure to comply with any licensing or background check requirements.

• Establish penalties of up to 10 years for parents whose children gain access to their firearms unless they meet certain federally-established requirements.

It should be noted there are already federally required background checks for purchasing weapons. A government database of all gun owners or longer waiting periods will not keep criminals from getting their hands on a gun.

Furthermore, this bill does nothing to curb the criminals who would use handguns to commit a crime. Just the opposite - it would turn law-abiding citizens into lawbreakers for overlooking one of many forms or address verification.

Any bill which would require photographing and fingerprinting for simply possessing a firearm flies in the face of our constitutionally guaranteed freedoms.

The Second Amendment to the United States Constitution guarantees - and as the U.S. Supreme Court definitively ruled in District of Columbia v Heller - the American people have the right to keep and bear arms.

As a member of the National Rifle Association and the Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus, I will work with my colleagues in the House of Representatives to promote legislation protecting our constitutional rights and oppose legislation, such as H.R. 45, which restricts such rights.

We need to work harder to ensure the safety of our citizens, but we must do so in a way which protects our Constitutionally-guaranteed rights.

Our country's founding fathers understood how important the principle of the Second Amendment is in ensuring our basic freedoms. They had faith in the citizens of America. We should have the same faith in our fellow countrymen today.

Congressman's Column by Adrian Smith

The Health Care Debate Continues

For several weeks the nation has watched as the leadership in Congress held fast to an artificial deadline to push through a government takeover of your health care.

At the time, I voiced my opposition to such an arbitrary date - insisting instead Congress should work together in a fiscally disciplined, bipartisan manner. Eventually, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) declared he was going to hold off on scheduling a vote until senators had a chance to hear from their constituents about this tremendously important bill.

Unfortunately - and despite pleas from both Republicans and Democrats - the leadership of the House of Representatives stuck to its guns, determined to push through a bill before August.

In the end, the Majority party conceded to Members of Congress who insisted on actually engaging in a meaningful discussion on health care and reading through a 1000+ page bill. Instead of rushing headlong into action on a tremendously expensive and complicated bill - a scenario which has been repeated all too often in Washington, D.C. - we now have the opportunity to hear directly from small business owners, seniors, and others affected by this proposal.

The idea of a health care program which will cut costs while providing more choices is an extremely attractive one. I fully support thoughtful, sound health care reform; but this legislation almost certainly would empower government bureaucrats to make health care decisions currently entrusted to doctors and patients.

Also, the health care overhaul being pushed forward in Congress right now significantly increases taxpayer liability and compounds our national debt well beyond current levels. The non-partisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) projects costs associated with the Administration's health care proposal will exceed $1.5 trillion over ten years, and then increase at least 6 percent each following year. CBO Director Douglas Elmendorf reiterated his concerns with this proposal and our nation's projected budget outlook in a recent website posting, saying "the federal budget is on an unsustainable path."

In testimony before the Senate the very next day, Director Elmendorf warned lawmakers the health care reform proposal currently under consideration lacks the necessary spending controls.

Through your responses to surveys, telephone town halls, your phone calls, e-mails and letters, I have heard from thousands of Nebraskans concerned about this proposal.

I am concerned about the impact this legislation would likely have on small businesses nationwide, particularly in a fragile economy. The legislation includes several employer mandates, requiring business to provide employee health benefits or incur a tax penalty equal to 8 percent of annual payroll. Employees also would be subject to this tax for employers who choose not to offer plans or if the plan fails to meet standards set by a panel of federal bureaucrats.

Given the costs associated with providing these benefits, many small businesses would be faced with the unfortunate decision to either lay off workers, significantly reduce inventory or, even worse, close their doors altogether. Independent estimates project as many as 4 million jobs would be lost under this proposal and 114 million Americas would be forced away from their current coverage.

Health care reform is necessary, but we must ensure any reform proposal accomplishes our shared goal of providing Americans access to quality health insurance without creating an even more uncertain economic future.

I support meaningful health care reforms which reduce insurance costs by increasing competition; allowing the purchase of insurance across state borders, making it easier for individuals and employers to band together to negotiate rates and reducing government mandates.

We should be exploring a way to ensure all Americans can deduct from their taxes health insurance costs, not just those who purchase it through their employer. A 2005 study estimated the average family pays $1,700-$2,000 annually just to cover the cost of defensive medicine. So, we also should reform medical malpractice to reduce the need for doctors to practice defensive medicine.

Some claim the American people are doomed to either the status quo or a government takeover of health care. This is a false choice. We can achieve reforms which lower costs and ensure the highest quality of care without handing over personal medical decision to unaccountable bureaucrats.

By increasing patients' control over their own health decisions, we will make coverage more affordable, accessible, and responsive - while offering more choices and the highest-quality care Americans have come to expect.

Governor's Column by Dave Heineman

Get to Know the Nebraska Department of Economic Development August 7, 2009

Dear Fellow Nebraskans:

Did you know that in recent years Nebraska has been recognized on a number of national business rankings? In 2008, our state ranked as the fourth best place for jobs by CareerBuilder.com. The 2008 annual rankings compiled by Business Facilities magazine named Nebraska fourth best in quality of life and fifth for best education climate. Nebraska made the Forbes magazine list of top 10 states for business in 2008, and we were a Pollina Top 10 Pro-business State for 2009.

These are just a few of the positive marks our state has received recently. These rankings are important because they help signal to companies looking to expand that Nebraska is an attractive place for new business development. The Nebraska Department of Economic Development plays an important role in fostering a vibrant business climate. The professionalism and outreach efforts of our state economic development team were highlighted in the Pollina report as one of the strengths of doing business in Nebraska.

The department helps existing businesses thrive and expand, attracts new businesses and investment, supports local communities in their efforts to attract new investment and residents, supports entrepreneurs, and encourages new tourism opportunities – all of which helps advance Nebraska’s status as a competitive player in the global market.

The department’s business development team focuses on recruiting new employers to meet Nebraska’s growing workforce needs and identifying opportunities for new business or research investments across the state. Businesses of all sizes have tools to expand and locate in our state because of a competitive menu of incentive programs known as the Nebraska Advantage and Super Advantage.

Efforts to market these incentives have helped 190 businesses decide to locate or expand in Nebraska. There are also opportunities aimed at small, start-up companies through the Building Entrepreneurial Communities Act, encouraging businesses to invest in Nebraska workers through job training programs and opportunities that attract development to our rural areas through the Value Added Agriculture Act.

On a global scale, business development specialists work to attract foreign investment to Nebraska and help Nebraska companies do business in international markets. In 2006 we opened an office in Tokyo, which serves as a hub for international business operations in Japan. Last year we invited international business contacts to Nebraska for a Reverse Trade Mission that resulted in new relationships in several foreign countries.

Another important part of our economic efforts is the work of the department’s community development team which helps provide quality, affordable housing options for Nebraska families. This team works with communities to help in updating public infrastructure which is an essential part of a vibrant community.

From Scottsbluff to Omaha and Valentine to Republican City, the department awarded more than $19 million in FY 2008 to rehabilitate housing, build new homes, and provide assistance to new homeowners and renters. The New Neighborhoods program identified several Nebraska communities that have attracted new business development, and the department is working hand-in-hand with community leaders to address the increased need for quality housing.

Public infrastructure projects include everything from updating public water and wastewater systems, redeveloping historic and downtown properties, or building essential community services, including fire stations, libraries and day care centers.

The department’s tourism team is promoting Nebraska’s recreational and leisure opportunities through social media and online sites like Facebook and Twitter. Eco- and agri-tourism efforts support the growing number of guest ranches, pumpkin patches, wineries, bird watching, and opportunities for recreation along the state’s river ways and scenic byways, while other tourism programs promote festivals and destinations through marketing grants for local groups.

The Nebraska Department of Economic Development plays a key role in promoting our state as a great place to live, work, play, and grow a business. Our state continues to move forward because of their efforts to promote the endless possibilities Nebraska has to offer.

Kort Leads HPD on High Speed Chase

The Hastings Police Department pursued two incidents Sunday, July 26, that began at Adams County FairFest. Fabian B. Gomez, 18, of Bladen was arrested for defying an order to leave, obstruction of a police officer and resisting arrest at the Adams County Fairgrounds, 947 S. Baltimore Ave. Officers also were involved in a pursuit with Jeffrey Kort, 22, of Blue Hill. Kort was not apprehended for officer safety reasons. "When a pursuit becomes more dangerous than it would be worth, you just terminate that pursuit", said Sgt. Bill Mann. Mann said those reasons included excessive speed,other traffic on the road and visibility since the chase began at 10:36 p.m. In addition to those factors, Mann said termination of a pursuit is also likely when the driver is identified. The chase started at the fairgrounds and ended just south of Idlewilde Road. No arrests had been made for this incident as of the morning of Wednesday, July 29. As of August 9, 2009, Hasting Police Department records indicated that there was an open and active arrest warrant for Jeffrey D. Kort, 22, for a felony count of Operating a Motor Vehicle to Avoid Arrest.

Multiple Programs Will Provide Relief Throughout Rural America

WASHINGTON, August 10, 2009 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that USDA is undertaking an unprecedented effort to use the department's administrative flexibility to provide relief to individuals and businesses in struggling agriculture industries. Vilsack has ordered USDA Rural Development and the Farm Service Agency to use all available means to help producers, processors and other small businesses who have been hit by worsening economic conditions.

"The Obama Administration is committed to doing everything it can to help families and businesses in agriculture to get through these tough economic times," said Vilsack. "Not only is this effort critical to restoring economic prosperity in America's rural communities, it is essential to ensure that Americans continue to have access to a safe, secure, and healthy food supply."

The assistance includes Farm Service Agency's increased effort to provide loan assistance to livestock producers and the Rural Development Business and Industry Loan program which has been structured to provide relief to processors and other small businesses in agriculture industries.

Additionally, the Farm Service Agency (FSA) is carrying out a number of actions to ease some of the stress being experienced by America's livestock producers, including:

• Educating producers in all agricultural sectors about the loan and servicing options available to them and utilizing all existing authorities to maximize relief available to both new and existing borrowers.

• FSA sent a letter to direct borrowers outlining the options and tools that are available to help ease any financial stress they may be experiencing. The letter encourages borrowers to contact their local county offices where loan officers can offer individualized financial and farm planning expertise. Options available include rescheduling, reamortization, deferral, and in extreme cases, reduction of debt.

• Encouraging guaranteed lenders to use all options available to assist FSA guaranteed borrowers. FSA regulations allow lenders to undertake a variety actions to help struggling producers, including:

• Lowering payments on chattel loans through debt rescheduling;

• Lowering payments on real estate loans through reamortization;

• Deferring part of scheduled payments; and

• Writing down part of a delinquent loan.

• Increasing awareness among producers of loans available through FSA county offices around the country:

• Producers can apply for direct operating loans of up to $300,000 at 2.5% and direct farm ownership loans up to $300,000 at 4.625%. Direct operating loans can be used for most farm related expenses including refinancing debt, while farm ownership loans can only be used to purchase or improve real estate;

• County loan officers can also work to help secure guaranteed operating and farm ownership loans up to $1,094,000 at a rate negotiated with the lender. The first scheduled installment of these loans can be deferred for up to 18 months or can be interest only if needed. The terms of each loan are determined on a case by case basis.

Rural Development's Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan program, which supports the development of private businesses, has been put to work helping processors and other businesses connected with the agricultural sector of the economy. Business and Industry loans are available to help cooperative organizations, corporations, partnerships, nonprofit groups; federally recognized Indian tribes, public bodies and individuals.

USDA recently made available $1.7 billion from the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act for Business and Industry loans. These funds will be focused to create and retain quality jobs, and serve difficult-to-reach populations and areas hardest hit by the current economic downturn. USDA is implementing a series of immediate steps to expand access to capital among rural small businesses, such as:

• Directing at least 10 percent of the $1.7 billion in Business & Industry loans to persistent poverty counties, defined as:

• Any county that has had 20 percent or more of its population living in poverty over the past 30 years, as measured by the 1980, 1990 and 2000 census.

• Helping businesses with their credit needs by keeping all existing authorities in the Business and Industry program remain in place. Businesses are eligible for working capital refinancing, machinery and equipment, real estate and construction, business development and expansion. Under the new initiative, USDA Rural Development will consider loan term adjustments as part of a comprehensive business stabilization strategy, including adjustments in interest rates, principal reduction and loan terms.

• Increasing the loan guarantee to up to 90 percent.

• These enhancements are not intended to assist businesses that made imprudent decisions, and all loans will be subject to standard underwriting criteria. USDA will work with borrowers and lenders on a case-by-case basis to provide needed financing.

• Providing incentives to lenders who finance businesses with jobs that pay at least 125% of the national minimum wage and/or provide health care benefits.

• Reducing loan guarantee fees by at least 50 percent.

• Eliminating the annual renewal fee that lenders had been required to pay to maintain the guarantee.

• Working with lenders involved in financing rural businesses in struggling industries to discuss with them the challenges they are facing in the industries.

• More information about USDA's Recovery Act efforts is available at http://www.usda.gov/recovery, and the Federal government's efforts on the Recovery Act is available at http://www.recovery.gov

More information about USDA Rural Development can be found at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov and about FSA at http://www.fsa.usda.gov.

Turkey 1; Kelley 0

Blue Hill resident Denise Kelley was not seriously injured when her car left the road Sunday evening as she tried to avoid hitting a turkey on Marion road south of Hastings. Kelley was alone in the car when the accident happened. She sustained only minor bruising on her right side. The car was seriously damaged.

Driving experts warn drivers not to swerve to avoid animals on the road as the results can be more devestating than hitting it.

Meyer & Premer Recieve BAs from UNK

The University of Nebraska at Kearney has released a list of recent degree recipients. Included in the list are Jared Meyer and Cammeron Premer both of Blue Hill. Meyer received a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Distribution Comprehensive. Jared is the son of Roger & Shareen Meyer. Premer received a Bachelor of Science degree in Family Studies. Cammeron is the daughter of Rocky & Tracy Premer.

Dale G. Tolle Obituary

Edgar resident Dale Gene Tolle, 84, died Saturday, August 8, 2009, at Memorial Community Health Care Center in Aurora. Graveside services are 2 p.m. Tuesday in the Edgar Cemetery with The Rev. Stephen Price Gibson officiating. Book signing is until 5 p.m. today at Williams Funeral Home in Edgar. Memorials may be given to the Leukemia Lymphoma Society. Condolences may be sent to http://www.wmsfh.com/. Dale, the son of Bert and Ivan (Campbell) Tolle, was born October 14, 1924. Survivors include his children, Patrick Tolle of Edgar, NE, Mike Tolle and wife Margaret of Edgar, NE, Elizabeth Stump and husband Bill of Spirit Lake, IA, Dan Tolle of Blue Hill, NE; grandchildren, Rebecca Haver and husband Jim of Omaha, NE, Christopher Tolle of Golden, CO, Amy Theesen and husband Cory of Hastings, NE, Jessica Tolle of Lincoln, NE, Dayle, Kyle and Samantha Tolle of Blue Hill, NE; great-grandchildren, Cody, James, and Brynn of Omaha, NE, and Payton Wray of Lincoln, NE; other relatives and many friends. Dale will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Straight From the Horse's Mouth

Duane A. Lienemann, UNL Extension Educator - Webster County

August 8, 2009

It seems to me that legislation on the Federal level is coming at us fast and furious. It is hard to keep up with everything, and sometimes there is so much emphasis on the big matters on hand that some of the smaller items that effect us even more than the big legislative efforts creep up and we miss them. No matter what your views are on some of the big legislative items like the Stimulus Bill, Cap and Trade, or the Health Care Reform and the plethora of stealth bills that are attached to these and other innocuous bits of legislation, there is another act that could have far reaching effects on farmers and ranchers across Nebraska and I believe we need to look at and act upon it.

Clean Water Restoration Act (CWRA): The Clean Water Restoration Act (S. 787) seeks to remove the word “navigable” from the definition of “Waters of the United States.” Under the current law, the federal government has jurisdiction over “navigable waters of the United States.” However by removing “navigable” from the definition, the legislation would expand federal regulatory control to unprecedented levels, essentially putting stock tanks, drainage ditches, any water feature found on family farms and ranches – potentially even ground water – under the regulatory arm of the federal government.

Here is the proposed new addition to Federal Statutes: “WATERS OF THE UNITED STATES- The term “waters of the United States” means all waters subject to the ebb and flow of the tide, the territorial seas, and all interstate and intrastate waters and their tributaries, including lakes, rivers, streams (including intermittent streams), mudflats, sandflats, wetlands, sloughs, prairie potholes, wet meadows, playa lakes, natural ponds, and all impoundments of the foregoing, to the fullest extent that these waters, or activities affecting these waters, are subject to the legislative power of Congress under the Constitution.”

Removing the term “NAVIGABLE” could open up ALL waters to regulation by the federal government. I join a lot of other people and members of many agricultural organizations that believe that the federal government does not need to regulate the water on your our private property. There are bits of legislation that have a tendency to get my attention and encourage me to inform the people as best I can of what is going on and this is another example. I strongly oppose this legislation and the CWRA as written. It infringes on private property rights and limits the state partnerships and flexibility that have made the current Clean Water Act so successful.

The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee advanced the CWRA in June, but there was a “hold” placed on the bill in the Senate. A hold requires 60 yes votes in order to remove the hold and allow the bill to be voted on by the full Senate. During July, the House Small Business Committee held a hearing entitled: “Regulating our Nation’s Waterways the Impacts on Small Businesses and Family Farmers.” Testimony by opponents of this change focused on the drastic expansion of federal regulation that would happen under the CWRA. It was pointed out that obtaining a 404 permit under the Clean Water Act is already extremely difficult and time-consuming, and that the increased number of permits required by the CWRA would be paralyzing. Agriculture is becoming more and more regulated each year and it is evident to me that the CWRA would have intensive negative impact on our Nebraska producers.

I understand that it is difficult for many of our producers to voice their opinions on things that ultimately will affect them. There is always that feeling that you can’t make a difference. But if many voices join, that collective voice is heard. We have to remember that our Senators and Congressmen work for us and that they need to listen. This may be the time to get beyond those restraints and voice your concerns – or ultimately pay the price. I encourage everyone that is concerned about this and other legislation that can have a huge affect on our livelihood to please call Senator Johanns (202) 224-4224 and Senator Nelson (202) 224-6551. If you are more comfortable writing you can also send your thoughts on this via the internet by going to http://www.senate.gov/. It is getting more and more evident that we need to fight for our way of life or pay the ultimate price, add your voice to those that are trying to protect our sovereignty.

While we are talking visiting with your Federal compatriots, here is something else that you may want to consider. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced this past week that the Natural Resources Conservation Service is seeking public comment on the new Conservation Stewardship Program, which is designed to encourage agricultural producers to maintain existing conservation practices and adopt additional ones in their operations. The public can submit comments for 60 days and must be submitted on or before Sept. 28. If you have an opinion on CSP, I suggest that you register your thoughts by going to the USDA-NRCS site at http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/new_csp/ .

I have found it easier and easier to lend my voice and thoughts on the very things that could impact my counterparts in agriculture, the future of my family and grandchildren. You do get the feeling that you can’t make a difference, but you can. One thing is certain, if we do nothing about those things that could affect us – then we have only one person to blame. Believe me it is much easier to be proactive than reactive. Take that step and help make a difference! The preceding information comes from the research and personal observations of the writer which may or may not reflect the views of UNL or UNL Extension. For more further information on these or other topics contact D. A. Lienemann, UNL Extension Educator for Webster County in Red Cloud, (402) 746-3417 or email to: dlienemann2@unl.edu.

Food Prices Climb Four-Times Faster Than Crop Prices

The Government Accountability Office reports that supermarket prices for food have climbed by 128-percent since 1982. That’s four times the increase in crop prices for farmers. The GAO report found that during the time period - farmers have generally received higher monthly prices for their commodities - but these prices have increased less than food prices and inflation in the broader economy. Tom Buis - CEO of Growth Energy - says last year the Grocery Manufacturers Association developed a multimillion dollar misinformation campaign to blame American farmers and ethanol producers for higher food prices. He says this is another study that shines the light of truth on the whole food-versus-fuel fiction that Big Food was peddling. Buis adds that whatever is driving up grocery prices won’t be found on the farm - and he says it merits further investigation by Congress. Specifically - farmers saw prices for beef, pork, dairy, grains and other commodities increase by 34-percent from January 1982 to April 2009. For the same period - food prices rose by 128-percent and prices in the general economy rose 102-percent. The study was requested by Senators Herb Kohl of Wisconsin and Chuck Grassley of Iowa.

Sex Offender Registry

The Nebraska State Patrol, Sex Ofender Registry Division has provided notice that Lenard Dean Zurcher, a registered level 3 (high risk to reoffend) sex offender has registered his place of residence as 109 W. Saline Street in Blue Hill, Nebraska, on July 27, 2009. This information is being provided to the public pursuant to Nebraska Law Section 29-4013, to protect members of the public from potential harm. The county sheriff's office is aware that this person is in the community. Mr. Zurcher was born on 07-01-1971. He is a white male, approximately 5'11" and170 pounds with blonde hair and blue eyes. Mr. Zurcher was convicted of Sexual Assault of a Child F4 in Clay Court District Court on 10-04-1993. Mr. Zurcher has no record of re-offense since that time. If you have any information that would suggest the above information contains any inaccuracies please contact the Nebraska State Patrol at 402-471-4545. Image of Mr. Zurcher can be viewed at http://www.nsp.state.ne.us/SOR/Subject.cfm?vREGNUM=199701078.