Thursday, January 9, 2014
January Girls Basketball Schedule
| 01/14/14 | Gibbon | C1 | 2-8 | 4 | - | - | |||
| 01/17/14 | @ Red Cloud | D1 | 5-3 | 2 | - | - | |||
| 01/18/14 | Franklin | C2 | 2-5 | 3 | - | - | |||
| 01/21/14 | Harvard | D1 | 0-10 | 4 | - | - | |||
| 01/23/14 | @ Sandy Creek | C2 | 7-4 | 2 | - | - | |||
| 01/28/14 | Lawrence-Nelson | D2 | 5-6 | 3 | - | - | |||
| 01/31/14 | @ Shelton | D1 | 0-9 | 4 |
January Boys Basketball Schedule
| 01/10/14 | @ Silver Lake | D2 | 0-10 | 4 | - | - | |||
| 01/14/14 | Gibbon | C1 | 6-2 | 1 | - | - | |||
| 01/17/14 | @ Red Cloud | D1 | 5-3 | 2 | - | - | |||
| 01/18/14 | Franklin | C2 | 0-7 | 4 | - | - | |||
| 01/21/14 | Harvard | D1 | 1-8 | 4 | - | - | |||
| 01/23/14 | @ Sandy Creek | C2 | 3-7 | 3 | - | - | |||
| 01/24/14 | @ Grand Island Central Catholic | C1 | 8-2 | 1 | - | - | |||
| 01/28/14 | Lawrence-Nelson | D2 | 6-5 | 2 | - | - | |||
| 01/31/14 | @ Shelton | D1 | 3-5 | 3 | - | - |
Wednesday, January 8, 2014
Attorney General Bruning Announces 12th Annual Legislative Package
LINCOLN - Attorney General Jon Burning unveiled his 2014 legislative package that provides more protections for Nebraska consumers and victims of crime. This is the 12th legislative package announced by Bruning’s office. In all, 36 of Bruning’s legislative initiatives have been signed into law since 2003.
The first bill protects Nebraska consumers and small businesses from patent troll harassment. The second bill creates offenses for knowingly soliciting child pornography. The third bill clearly defines harassment and stalking and protects victims of sexual assault by clarifying rules of evidence regarding a perpetrator’s out-of-state offenses. The fourth bill updates Nebraska’s ban on the synthetic drug known as K2.
Attorney General Bruning was joined at today’s press conference by State Senators Heath Mello, Burke Harr and Danielle Conrad. Also in attendance were Steve and Kelly Tucker of Greenwood, parents of 18-year-old Billy Tucker who died after using K2 in October 2013.
Nebraska Patent Abuse Prevention Act
This bill protects Nebraskans from patent assertion entities acting in bad faith, otherwise known as patent trolls. Patent trolls acquire patents solely to collect fees or demand settlements from consumers. Currently, there is no law to specifically address bad faith assertions of patent infringement.
Senator Heath Mello of Omaha is sponsoring the bill.
"Patent trolls often make unfounded allegations to demand money by threatening litigation against unsuspecting Nebraskans," said Senator Mello. "This bill will be a great addition in the fight to protect Nebraska businesses and consumers from patent trolls."
The bill defines unlawful patent assertion activity, including demand letters. It also provides an enforcement mechanism for the unlawful act under the Uniform Deceptive Trade Practices Act.
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“Utilizing our patent system to squeeze money from Nebraska consumers is a scam,” said Bruning. “This bill adds to our continued efforts to protect consumers from the baseless harassment of patent trolls.”
Additionally, the bill adds a layer of accountability by requiring any person sending 25 or more patent assertion letters within a 365-day period to notify the Attorney General of each name and address to which a demand letter was sent.
Currently, only Vermont has a similar statute governing patent trolls.
Nebraska Criminal Code: Child Pornography
This bill makes it illegal to solicit child pornography in Nebraska. Currently, Nebraska law only makes the possession of child pornography unlawful. The bill also creates a procedural standard for forfeiture and destruction of any property used in the crime, such as computers or data storage devices.
“In the past three years, our office has investigated more than 100 cases of computer-based crimes with child victims,” said Bruning. “This bill strengthens our effort to protect Nebraska kids from online victimization.”
Senator Burke Harr of Omaha is sponsoring the bill. “The cycle of revictimization must be stopped,” said Senator Harr. “I’m proud to sponsor this critical piece of legislation.”
The bill also expands the definition of child abuse to include knowingly or intentionally placing a child in a situation to view a live sex act. Currently, similar conduct is prohibited if it occurs via electronic communication device but is not prohibited if it occurs in person.
Federal law and that of 13 other states prohibits the solicitation of child pornography and 14 states penalize knowingly receiving child pornography. Forfeiture actions involving child pornography are allowed in 15 states. In 11 states, it is similarly unlawful to knowingly or intentionally place a child in a situation to view a live sex act.
Nebraska Criminal Code: Sexual Assault and Stalking
This bill makes a clear distinction between harassment and stalking and provides a penalty for each. Additionally, the measure includes an enhancement provision for prior violations. The bill also specifies that when an electronic communication device is utilized to violate the statute, the offense is deemed to have been committed either where the communication was originated or where it was received.
Current law treats harassment and stalking as the same offense.
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Senator Danielle Conrad of Lincoln is sponsoring the bill.
"This legislation makes improvements in our laws to help victims of sexual assault and stalking,” said Senator Conrad. “We must work to prevent and eliminate these brutal crimes. Yet, when they do occur we must improve our legal framework so that justice can prevail."
The legislation clarifies the definition of prior sexual assault, which allows the evidentiary use of out- of-state offenses in subsequent proceedings. The Federal Rules of Evidence and at least five states allow for the use of similar prior out-of-state sexual offenses for evidentiary purposes. Currently, use of prior sexual assault offenses as evidence in subsequent proceedings is defined narrowly to include Nebraska offenses.
Nebraska Criminal Code: K2 This bill updates Nebraska’s ban on the drug known as K2. The current ban was created by the Attorney General’s Office 2011 legislative package bill, LB 19, and last updated in 2013 by LB 298, both sponsored by Sen. Beau McCoy.
“Because modified formulas of K2 are still sold in Nebraska, I lost my best friend, my beloved son Billy,” said Steve Tucker. “We don’t want any other parents to go through this kind of loss.”
K2 is made from synthetic cannabinoids that are combined or compounded to make the street drug. K2 products consist of plant material that has been coated (often sprayed) with one or more of the synthetic cannabinoid mixtures.
“K2 is killing Nebraskans,” said Bruning. “We must do what we can to combat the drug manufacturers’ attempts to get these drugs onto Nebraska streets and into the hands of our kids.”
State Senator Ken Schilz of Ogallala is sponsoring the bill.
“As states have moved to ban K2, ways have been found to skirt the laws by changing the formulas,” said Senator Shilz. “This bill makes Nebraska law more comprehensive and addresses the latest versions of the deadly drug.”
The Tuckers have launched a website to increase awareness of the dangers of K2 at www.facebook.com/NEK2awareness.com.
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The first bill protects Nebraska consumers and small businesses from patent troll harassment. The second bill creates offenses for knowingly soliciting child pornography. The third bill clearly defines harassment and stalking and protects victims of sexual assault by clarifying rules of evidence regarding a perpetrator’s out-of-state offenses. The fourth bill updates Nebraska’s ban on the synthetic drug known as K2.
Attorney General Bruning was joined at today’s press conference by State Senators Heath Mello, Burke Harr and Danielle Conrad. Also in attendance were Steve and Kelly Tucker of Greenwood, parents of 18-year-old Billy Tucker who died after using K2 in October 2013.
Nebraska Patent Abuse Prevention Act
This bill protects Nebraskans from patent assertion entities acting in bad faith, otherwise known as patent trolls. Patent trolls acquire patents solely to collect fees or demand settlements from consumers. Currently, there is no law to specifically address bad faith assertions of patent infringement.
Senator Heath Mello of Omaha is sponsoring the bill.
"Patent trolls often make unfounded allegations to demand money by threatening litigation against unsuspecting Nebraskans," said Senator Mello. "This bill will be a great addition in the fight to protect Nebraska businesses and consumers from patent trolls."
The bill defines unlawful patent assertion activity, including demand letters. It also provides an enforcement mechanism for the unlawful act under the Uniform Deceptive Trade Practices Act.
2
“Utilizing our patent system to squeeze money from Nebraska consumers is a scam,” said Bruning. “This bill adds to our continued efforts to protect consumers from the baseless harassment of patent trolls.”
Additionally, the bill adds a layer of accountability by requiring any person sending 25 or more patent assertion letters within a 365-day period to notify the Attorney General of each name and address to which a demand letter was sent.
Currently, only Vermont has a similar statute governing patent trolls.
Nebraska Criminal Code: Child Pornography
This bill makes it illegal to solicit child pornography in Nebraska. Currently, Nebraska law only makes the possession of child pornography unlawful. The bill also creates a procedural standard for forfeiture and destruction of any property used in the crime, such as computers or data storage devices.
“In the past three years, our office has investigated more than 100 cases of computer-based crimes with child victims,” said Bruning. “This bill strengthens our effort to protect Nebraska kids from online victimization.”
Senator Burke Harr of Omaha is sponsoring the bill. “The cycle of revictimization must be stopped,” said Senator Harr. “I’m proud to sponsor this critical piece of legislation.”
The bill also expands the definition of child abuse to include knowingly or intentionally placing a child in a situation to view a live sex act. Currently, similar conduct is prohibited if it occurs via electronic communication device but is not prohibited if it occurs in person.
Federal law and that of 13 other states prohibits the solicitation of child pornography and 14 states penalize knowingly receiving child pornography. Forfeiture actions involving child pornography are allowed in 15 states. In 11 states, it is similarly unlawful to knowingly or intentionally place a child in a situation to view a live sex act.
Nebraska Criminal Code: Sexual Assault and Stalking
This bill makes a clear distinction between harassment and stalking and provides a penalty for each. Additionally, the measure includes an enhancement provision for prior violations. The bill also specifies that when an electronic communication device is utilized to violate the statute, the offense is deemed to have been committed either where the communication was originated or where it was received.
Current law treats harassment and stalking as the same offense.
3
Senator Danielle Conrad of Lincoln is sponsoring the bill.
"This legislation makes improvements in our laws to help victims of sexual assault and stalking,” said Senator Conrad. “We must work to prevent and eliminate these brutal crimes. Yet, when they do occur we must improve our legal framework so that justice can prevail."
The legislation clarifies the definition of prior sexual assault, which allows the evidentiary use of out- of-state offenses in subsequent proceedings. The Federal Rules of Evidence and at least five states allow for the use of similar prior out-of-state sexual offenses for evidentiary purposes. Currently, use of prior sexual assault offenses as evidence in subsequent proceedings is defined narrowly to include Nebraska offenses.
Nebraska Criminal Code: K2 This bill updates Nebraska’s ban on the drug known as K2. The current ban was created by the Attorney General’s Office 2011 legislative package bill, LB 19, and last updated in 2013 by LB 298, both sponsored by Sen. Beau McCoy.
“Because modified formulas of K2 are still sold in Nebraska, I lost my best friend, my beloved son Billy,” said Steve Tucker. “We don’t want any other parents to go through this kind of loss.”
K2 is made from synthetic cannabinoids that are combined or compounded to make the street drug. K2 products consist of plant material that has been coated (often sprayed) with one or more of the synthetic cannabinoid mixtures.
“K2 is killing Nebraskans,” said Bruning. “We must do what we can to combat the drug manufacturers’ attempts to get these drugs onto Nebraska streets and into the hands of our kids.”
State Senator Ken Schilz of Ogallala is sponsoring the bill.
“As states have moved to ban K2, ways have been found to skirt the laws by changing the formulas,” said Senator Shilz. “This bill makes Nebraska law more comprehensive and addresses the latest versions of the deadly drug.”
The Tuckers have launched a website to increase awareness of the dangers of K2 at www.facebook.com/NEK2awareness.com.
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Session Convenes: Bills Introduced
Lawmakers convened Jan. 8 to begin bill introduction for the 103rd Legislature, second session.
Among the measures introduced were:
LB660, sponsored by Omaha Sen. Bob Krist, which would provide for extension of a pilot project and a contract relating to case management;
LB670, sponsored by Omaha Sen. Beau McCoy, which would change property tax valuations of agricultural and horticultural land;
LB671, sponsored by Omaha Sen. Ernie Chambers, which would eliminate provisions relating to hunting and killing of mountain lions;
LB677, sponsored by Omaha Sen. Heath Mello, which would adopt the Nebraska Patent Abuse Prevention Act;
LB682, sponsored by Norfolk Sen. Jim Scheer, which would provide for the formation of allied school systems as prescribed;
LB697, sponsored by O’Neill Sen. Tyson Larson, which would require publication of a statewide list of tax delinquent properties;
LB706, sponsored by Omaha Sen. Burke Harr, which would change provisions relating to sexual assault, child abuse, sexually explicit conduct and child pornography and provide for forfeiture of property as prescribed;
LB707, sponsored by Lincoln Sen. Danielle Conrad, which would change provisions and procedures relating to sexual assault, stalking, domestic assault and use of an electronic communication device and create the offense of harassment;
LB708, sponsored by Papillion Sen. Bill Kintner, which would exempt social security benefits from state income taxation; and
LB721, sponsored by Fremont Sen. Charlie Janssen, which would change tax provisions.
A complete list of bills introduced Jan. 8 is available at NebraskaLegislature.gov.
New bills may be introduced for the first 10 legislative days, or until Jan. 22.
Gov. Dave Heineman’s State of the State address is scheduled for Jan. 15. Committee hearings are scheduled to begin Jan. 21 and continue through February.
The session will last 60 legislative days and is tentatively scheduled to adjourn April 17.
Among the measures introduced were:
LB660, sponsored by Omaha Sen. Bob Krist, which would provide for extension of a pilot project and a contract relating to case management;
LB670, sponsored by Omaha Sen. Beau McCoy, which would change property tax valuations of agricultural and horticultural land;
LB671, sponsored by Omaha Sen. Ernie Chambers, which would eliminate provisions relating to hunting and killing of mountain lions;
LB677, sponsored by Omaha Sen. Heath Mello, which would adopt the Nebraska Patent Abuse Prevention Act;
LB682, sponsored by Norfolk Sen. Jim Scheer, which would provide for the formation of allied school systems as prescribed;
LB697, sponsored by O’Neill Sen. Tyson Larson, which would require publication of a statewide list of tax delinquent properties;
LB706, sponsored by Omaha Sen. Burke Harr, which would change provisions relating to sexual assault, child abuse, sexually explicit conduct and child pornography and provide for forfeiture of property as prescribed;
LB707, sponsored by Lincoln Sen. Danielle Conrad, which would change provisions and procedures relating to sexual assault, stalking, domestic assault and use of an electronic communication device and create the offense of harassment;
LB708, sponsored by Papillion Sen. Bill Kintner, which would exempt social security benefits from state income taxation; and
LB721, sponsored by Fremont Sen. Charlie Janssen, which would change tax provisions.
A complete list of bills introduced Jan. 8 is available at NebraskaLegislature.gov.
New bills may be introduced for the first 10 legislative days, or until Jan. 22.
Gov. Dave Heineman’s State of the State address is scheduled for Jan. 15. Committee hearings are scheduled to begin Jan. 21 and continue through February.
The session will last 60 legislative days and is tentatively scheduled to adjourn April 17.
Tuesday, January 7, 2014
Quote of the Day
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Monday, January 6, 2014
Shedding Light on the Secrecy Clause
Higher premiums, increased coinsurance and skyrocketing out-of-pocket requirements aren’t the only realities lurking in the 2,000-page Obamacare law, or its seven-foot-tall stack of regulations. The law is also designed to bury some controversial services that many Americans find morally objectionable.
The law requires federally subsidized plans that cover on-demand abortions to only disclose the coverage deep within a plan’s enrollment documents to hide it from potential purchasers. It also creates a monthly surcharge or “abortion fee” of at least $1, paid by each of the plan’s enrollees, to help pay for elective abortions. But you won’t find any mention of this fee amount anywhere in your health plan’s promotional materials. Insurers are prohibited from disclosing it under Obamacare. This language is often referred to as the “secrecy clause,” and this is no accident.
The secrecy clause was included in the law and its rules to disguise the true coverage of some health plans from people who, for moral or religious reasons, may prefer to purchase a plan that doesn’t cover on-demand abortions. And as a result, not only are many Americans unwittingly purchasing plans that may violate their conscience, they are directly funding abortions for others with a portion of their monthly premium.If the government is going to force you to purchase a product, the least it can do is be forthright about what’s in it. Instead, the Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) secrecy clause takes away consumers’ abilities to make the best choices based on their needs and beliefs. This “buyer beware” approach to health care is not good for families who are already being forced to cope with the law’s many other costly requirements.
In Nebraska and 23 other states, laws prohibit health plans on insurance exchanges from offering abortion coverage. But for more than half of the country, these deceitful provisions continue to conceal controversial aspects of the law that many Americans would prefer to avoid. Put simply, the secrecy clause is an affront to those who object on principle to participating in or paying for elective abortion services.
To remedy this issue, I recently joined 19 senators in cosponsoring legislation reversing the secrecy clause. The Abortion Insurance Full Disclosure Act requires insurance plans on the Obamacare exchanges to prominently disclose in marketing materials and health insurance plan comparison documents whether they include abortion coverage. The bill also requires insurers to disclose the monthly abortion surcharge paid by enrollees, which funds elective abortions. HHS would be required to comply with this law within 30 days of its passage.
Obamacare should not conceal important information that may cause individuals to unintentionally violate their own deeply-held beliefs—yet another reason why this law should be repealed. I will push for passage of commonsense disclosure bill that sheds light on what is covered by each insurance plan under Obamacare, and allows Americans to make the best decision based on their health care needs and their moral compass.
Quote of the Day
When a new day begins, dare to smile gratefully.
When there is darkness, dare to be the first to shine a light.
When there is injustice, dare to be the first to condemn it.
When something seems difficult, dare to do it anyway.
When life seems to beat you down, dare to fight back.
When there seems to be no hope, dare to find some.
When you’re feeling tired, dare to keep going.
When times are tough..., dare to be tougher.
When love hurts you, dare to love again.
When someone is hurting, dare to help them heal.
When another is lost, dare to help them find the way.
When a friend falls, dare to be the first to extend a hand.
When you cross paths with another, dare to make them smile.
When you feel great, dare to help someone else feel great too.
When the day has ended, dare to feel as you’ve done your best.
Dare to be the best you can – at all times, Dare to be!"
- Steve Maraboli
When there is darkness, dare to be the first to shine a light.
When there is injustice, dare to be the first to condemn it.
When something seems difficult, dare to do it anyway.
When life seems to beat you down, dare to fight back.
When there seems to be no hope, dare to find some.
When you’re feeling tired, dare to keep going.
When times are tough..., dare to be tougher.
When love hurts you, dare to love again.
When someone is hurting, dare to help them heal.
When another is lost, dare to help them find the way.
When a friend falls, dare to be the first to extend a hand.
When you cross paths with another, dare to make them smile.
When you feel great, dare to help someone else feel great too.
When the day has ended, dare to feel as you’ve done your best.
Dare to be the best you can – at all times, Dare to be!"
- Steve Maraboli
Saturday, January 4, 2014
Governors Heineman and Branstad Celebrate Two-State Regional Economic Development Organization
Advance Southwest Iowa, a recently-established public-private partnership of the City of Council Bluffs, Council Bluffs Chamber of Commerce, Iowa West Foundation, Pottawattamie County and the Western Iowa Development Association, formally joined the Greater Omaha Economic Development Partnership today. The Partnership began more than 20 years ago to create jobs, encourage capital investment and drive growth of the region’s economy. Current membership, in addition to Advance Southwest Iowa, includes:
“This collaboration with the Partnership is a strategic move that will prove beneficial to Council Bluffs, Pottawattamie County and throughout the metro area,” said Sharon White, Advance Southwest Iowa president and Council Bluffs City Council member. “Joining the Partnership is about greater exposure and more business leads resulting in jobs and investment for the region.” “A strong regional economy benefits both Nebraska and Iowa. We are both on the move and we want to do even better in the future,” said Gov. Dave Heineman. “One of the most exciting parts of this announcement is that the Greater Omaha Economic Development Partnership will now provide inquiring companies and clients with more choices. Prospective businesses will be able to determine which options best meet their needs and a Nebraska-Iowa work force that will help them grow.” “There is a national trend throughout the U.S. towards building strong, mutually-beneficial regional economic development partnerships, said Iowa Governor Terry Branstad. “This type of regional approach will give us more clout on the national scene and help bring more jobs to southwest Iowa.” The Partnership is funded by public and private investors throughout the region. The Iowa West Foundation, one of the largest private foundations in the Midwest, was a key player in the development of the two-state collaboration. Headquartered in Council Bluffs, the Foundation announced its financial support for the Greater Omaha Economic Development Partnership today. “This is an important step for the success of economic development in the region,” said Pete Tulipana, president and CEO of the Iowa West Foundation. “Our foundation served as a convener of the Iowa partners to begin the dialogue on the regional economic development effort. The partners recognized that we are a ‘community of communities’ in Iowa and Nebraska and that the region’s economic development potential for success is enhanced through cooperation. The Iowa West Foundation has awarded a grant of $2.2 million over the next five years to support the work of economic development both through the Council Bluffs Chamber of Commerce and the new regional partnership.” A “one-stop center for economic development needs,” the expanded, two-state Partnership is now set to implement an intensive, five year regional economic development program that will include:
“The Iowa coalition inquired about joining the Partnership in early 2013 after observing the successes and synergies of communities positively working together as an economic development region,” said Bob Mundt, president and CEO, Council Bluffs Chamber of Commerce. “It is my belief that we as the Greater Omaha Economic Development Partnership can ‘accomplish more – together’.” In early December, J. Mac Holladay, CEO of Market Street Services, a nationally-recognized provider of strategic economic development planning services, said the new, two-state partnership is in a position to break ground with its joint focus on entrepreneurship and innovation, business retention and expansion, and talent recruitment. “No two-state regional program is working on all three areas,” Holladay said. Advance Southwest Iowa has hired Mike Dellinger as executive director to carry out the organization’s activities and mission. He will have an office at the Greater Omaha Chamber with the other executive directors to allow for a close working relationship with the entire Partnership team. | ||||
STRAIGHT FROM THE HORSES MOUTH
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| Duane A. Lienemann UNL Extension Educator |
One of the most discussed topics I have written on is Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO’s). I thought I had covered most bases, but I got into an interesting discussion this past week on something that some people call “Agent Orange Corn.” In pressing for what clarification I found out that this is in reference to the new technology for corn and soybean plants that are resistant to 2,4-D. In researching this I found that Dow AgroSciences’ new biotech corn hybrids are working their way through the regulatory process and in fact the USDA opened the door today to commercial sales of these genetically modified seeds. What is this new technology and why the conflict? Let’s explore this issue this week.
Basically these hybrids have been modified to be more resistant to 2,4-D, an herbicide that was introduced in 1948. This is being cast as a return to the use of Agent Orange and from what I can ascertain – that is completely untrue. There is a lot of interesting detail behind this, but the moniker for the corn seems to be a classic case of information twisting – twisting in a way that is intentionally misleading. The reason that the term “Agent Orange Corn” is inaccurate can be discovered in a 1-minute Google search, but this did not prevent a host of environmental and Organic activist organizations, and even “news outlets” from passing along the disinformation, without getting the facts. Does that really surprise anyone?
I found that a group called “The Center for Food Safety” (CFS) likely coined and then spread the term, “Agent Orange Corn.” I suggest that you study this group - http://www.activistcash.com/organizations/11-center-for-food-safety. It did not surprise me that this group would be going after this new ag technology, but I wondered why they linked Agent Orange with this new corn technology? Well-- most anyone, like me - from the Vietnam era, knows that this term applied to a defoliant used to kill vegetation primarily in jungles during the Vietnam War. For some background you should know that it was made with two herbicides: 2,4-D (the one that the new corn tolerates), and 2,4,5-T. The 2,4,5-T was unknowingly contaminated with a dioxin, something that was only later recognized as a significant human safety issue.
Yes, 2,4-D was part of Agent Orange, but it wasn’t what made Agent Orange a danger back in the 1960s. In fact, for decades, 2,4-D has continued to be one of the most widely used, safest herbicides in the world. It is registered in 70 countries, including those with very comprehensive and cautious regulators (Canada, the UK, Germany, France, Japan and of course USA). 2,4-D is a component of most consumer products for the control of weeds in lawns. It is used extensively in wheat. It can already be used on corn up to a certain growth stage. The key message here--- 2,4-D is NOT Agent Orange. I think this was conveniently left out of the discussion in order to push a particular agenda.
To be fair, unfortunately there was a very limited understanding of environmental toxicology in America in the early 1960s. The modern environmental movement was just the beginning, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was not established until 1968. So during the early 1960s, terrible mistakes were made with Agent Orange that are completely unthinkable today. Since that time the scrutiny of new and old pesticides has become comprehensive. It would be virtually impossible for an Agent Orange-like mistake could occur today, but that is what CFS and its repeaters are implying.
Why is there now so much discussion on this issue? The answer to this is that the USDA Animal Plant and Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is seeking review and comment from the public on the possibility of deregulating corn and soybean seed that’s resistant to 2,4-D, among other herbicides. APHIS has now released a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) as a part of its review to determine the deregulation. It will now be available for public review and comment for 45 days. APHIS has four alternatives to consider: keep all of the genetically engineered corn and soybean plants under regulation, deregulate the corn plant only, deregulate the soybean plants only or deregulate both the corn and soybeans. This decision could have far reaching repercussions on farming, so we need to think about this and comment!
EPA is concurrently conducting risk assessments on the proposed new used of 2,4-D herbicide. Their analysis will include thorough review of any potential human health and environmental risks associated with the application of 2,4-D to the genetically engineered corn and soybean plants. Producers may want to keep on top of this and be sure to make comments accordingly. We must remember that a great many of the pesticides that were in use in the early 1960s have long since been banned or progressively replaced with far, far safer alternatives. In every round of risk assessment, the EPA and its outside experts have concluded that 2,4-D is safe and has met the EPA’s ever more cautious standards.
Farmers in the US, and elsewhere, have been moving increasingly towards the control of weeds with herbicides, rather than with mechanical methods (tillage). This is actually a good thing from an environmental point of view and for people in our area who know the positives of no-till. I am also very cognizant of the concern of many scientists, environmentalists and even farmers that 2,4-D can easily drift and can threaten crops that are not resistant and limits those farmers who want to rotate out of the genetically modified crops and in the future it may not be possible to get any seeds other than the genetically modified varieties. However of concern to me is that groups like CFS have generated furor by shouting an intentionally sensational half-truths or lies. Ironically, this has put them in the position of advocating against a tool farmers need for environmentally sustainable farming. This new corn, and the soybeans that will follow, are part of what will enable land-use efficiency and low environmental footprint farming – the very thing environmental activists are asking for!
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 or go to the website at: http://www.webster.unl.edu/home
Friday, January 3, 2014
We are Proud of our Nebraska National Guard
Dear Fellow Nebraskans:
I am proud of our Nebraska National Guard for their unique and important role they play for our state and our country.
The National Guard stands ever ready to serve Nebraskans in need, as we have seen multiple times in recent years during the wildfire outbreak that affected significant portions of our state, during the historic flooding on the Missouri and Platte Rivers and the recent tornado in Wayne.
The Nebraska National Guard has been significantly involved in events around the world as represented by the thousands of deployments that have occurred over the past two decades to such locations as Bosnia, Kosovo, Macedonia, Afghanistan, Iraq and over the skies of Libya. Their dedication is echoed in the names of those Nebraska Army National Guard Soldiers who gave the ultimate sacrifice while serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, and in the continuing sacrifices of the families they left behind.
As Governor, I am honored to serve as the Commander in Chief of the Nebraska National Guard. That’s because I know the quality of Soldiers and Airmen that serve in this organization. I have had many opportunities to observe our Nebraska National Guard Soldiers and Airmen in action and I am very proud of the many awards they have received.
Nebraska National Guard men and women have been honored many times in the past. For example, I’ve had the pleasure to participate in ceremonies honoring Nebraska Army and Air National Guard units and individuals for receiving national recognition in the medical, dental, air refueling, food service, public affairs and community relations fields.
Nebraska units have also been honored for their work in aviation, engineering, transportation and other fields. In fact, just in logistics alone, Nebraska Army Guard units and Soldiers have earned a total of 34 national or regional awards for supply excellence since 1992. Their work makes a difference and it has a lasting impact.
Recently, I took part in a ceremony that recognized seven separate Nebraska Army National Guard units who were recognized as being the best in the nation in supply and maintenance support. As a former Army Ranger, I know very well the importance of logistics and maintenance in ensuring that our Army units are ready and prepared to do whatever mission they’re called upon to do.
Those honored during the ceremony were the 110th Multifunctional Medical Battalion Headquarters from Lincoln, the 92nd Troop Command Headquarters from Lincoln, the 189th Transportation Company from Norfolk and Wayne, the 1-376th Security and Support Aviation Battalion Headquarters from Grand Island, the Nebraska National Guard's Joint Force Headquarters from Lincoln, and the Nebraska National Guard's Surface Maintenance Manager's Office from Lincoln.
Additionally, the Camp Ashland-based 209th Regional Training Institute earned two major national awards, finishing first in their category of the U.S. Army Chief of Staff Supply Excellence Award Competition and then being named the first National Guard unit to receive the prestigious "Best of the Best Award" for recording the highest scores of more than 100 active Army, Army Reserve and Army National Guard units evaluated nationwide.
In addition to the unit awards, I was very proud that the very first National Guard Bureau Logistician of the Year Award went to a Nebraska Army National Guard Soldier, Command Sergeant Major Boyd Navratil. He has done outstanding work throughout his career.
I appreciate the work that our Nebraska Soldiers, their families and their employers do for the greater good of Nebraska and all Americans.
- Dave Heineman
Governor of Nebraska
The Year in Review - Governor's Column
Dear Fellow Nebraskans:
The New Year presents the opportunity to reflect upon important issues that have been addressed during the past year. In 2013, Nebraska has continued its focus on job creation and education.
Throughout the year and across our state, it has been an honor to attend numerous ribbon-cuttings and economic development celebrations. From Fall City to Scottsbluff, McCook to South Sioux City, and everywhere in between, these events are signs of our continued economic growth.
Nebraska is in the enviable position of being recognized for our increased focus on making Nebraska more competitive for business and for continuing our tradition of a high quality of life. Nebraska is in good economic shape because we don’t spend money we don’t have. Whether it’s the family budget or the business budget, this is a principle to which we adhere. We have balanced the state budget without raising taxes, our unemployment rate is one of the lowest in the nation and we continue to be recognized nationally as a top business friendly and family friendly state.
As Governor, I have continued our focus on international trade, direct investment and the creation of new export opportunities. This year, I was pleased to officially opened Nebraska’s first trade office in China. This was the second overseas trade we have established, having opened the Nebraska Center – Tokyo in 2006.
The Nebraska Center China is a vital element in the continuing development of Nebraska-China relations. Government officials and business leaders on both sides of the world joined together via technology to celebrate the opening of the state’s newest international trade office.
It is important to remember that economic development and job creation is only half of the equation for securing Nebraska’s future success. Ensuring that our children receive a quality education and are ready to compete in this global, free-market environment is a priority.
Providing our students with the best education possible is essential to Nebraska’s future. This year, we have had several highlights that mark the hard work of teachers, parents and the education community throughout our entire state.
For example, I was pleased to present Kearney High School teacher Kevin Witte with the prestigious Milken Educator Award. This award is considered the nation’s preeminent teacher recognition program, having honored more than 2,500 teachers, principals and specialists coast to coast with 38 from Nebraska. Kevin symbolizes what’s best in Nebraska education.
I was also pleased to congratulate Hastings Middle School on being the first Nebraska school to receive the National Breakthrough School award. The goal of the award is to identify, recognize and showcase middle level and high schools that serve large numbers of students living in poverty and are high achieving or dramatically improving student achievement. Hastings Middle School students' test scores have been progressively increasing over the last several years.
Additionally, one of the goals of Nebraska’s P-16 Initiative (preschool through college) is for every high school in Nebraska to achieve a 90 percent high school graduation rate. Recently, the Nebraska Department of Education announced Nebraska’s statewide graduation rate has improved from 87.6 percent to 88.5 percent. That’s great news, and we are one step closer to the 90% goal. Nebraska has one of the best high school graduation rates in the country.
I want to congratulate our school districts for the increased focus that they put on graduating their students from high school. To succeed in life and in the work place, you need a high school diploma. We are also encouraging students to obtain either a two year associate’s degree or a four year bachelor’s degree, depending upon their area of study.
We’ve made great progress this year, but we have more work to do. I am committed to making strategic decisions that provide our sons and daughters with a bright future. Together, we can continue to make Nebraska the best place to live, to work and to raise a family.
Happy New Year.
- Dave Heineman
Governor of Nebraska
You Drink & Drive, You Lose Enforcement Stats
(Lincoln, Neb.)- Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol arrested 78 impaired drivers during the two-week long “You Drink & Drive, You Lose” national enforcement campaign designed to raise awareness of the dangers of impaired driving.
During the enforcement period which ran December 13- January 1, 2014, the Nebraska State Patrol conducted special enforcement efforts thanks in part to a $27,900 grant from the Nebraska Office of Highway Safety (NOHS).
In addition to the 78 DWI arrests, troopers issued 1,744 Speeding citations, 96 Driving Under Suspension (DUS), and 79 No Proof of Insurance citations. Troopers also wrote 326 seat belt citations & warnings, as well as 44 child restraint citations & warnings. Motorists’ assistance was provided to 574 travelers.
The following statistics are a reflection of statewide activity by the Nebraska State Patrol during the “You Drink & Drive, You Lose” enforcement.
During the enforcement period which ran December 13- January 1, 2014, the Nebraska State Patrol conducted special enforcement efforts thanks in part to a $27,900 grant from the Nebraska Office of Highway Safety (NOHS).
In addition to the 78 DWI arrests, troopers issued 1,744 Speeding citations, 96 Driving Under Suspension (DUS), and 79 No Proof of Insurance citations. Troopers also wrote 326 seat belt citations & warnings, as well as 44 child restraint citations & warnings. Motorists’ assistance was provided to 574 travelers.
The following statistics are a reflection of statewide activity by the Nebraska State Patrol during the “You Drink & Drive, You Lose” enforcement.
| 78 Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) arrests | 1,744 Speeding citations |
| 45 Minor in Possession of Alcohol 68 Open Container | 96 Driving Under Suspension (DUS) 79 No Proof of Insurance |
| 326 Seat Belt citations & warnings 44 Child Restraint citations & warnings | 574 Motorists Assists |
Thursday, January 2, 2014
The Year Ahead - Sen. Deb Fischer
A new year is a time for new beginnings – a fresh opportunity for creative solutions to our nation’s persistent problems.
Like many Nebraskans, I was disappointed in the lack of progress on some important issues last year. For starters, tax reform, which is a top way to grow our economy, seems to be going nowhere despite bipartisan calls for action. Another issue left unresolved was the farm bill. While significant progress has been made, the conferees still have not come to an agreement. Nebraskans are tired of kicking the can down the road, and so am I. Our country needs some certainty. Five-year farm policy is necessary to achieve that and I’m hopeful for a speedy resolution soon.
The Senate officially reconvenes on January 3. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid controls the Senate’s schedule, and he has stated that we will begin by voting on the confirmation of Janet Yellen, the president’s pick to chair the Federal Reserve. Following that vote, Senator Reid has indicated that he will call up legislation to address expired long-term unemployment benefits. The Senate will then move on to the so-called omnibus spending bill.
Because the Senate failed to pass any appropriations bills this year – a basic requirement of Congress – the House and Senate must now vote on a single spending measure to fund the government for the remainder of the fiscal year. The spending levels for this bill are determined by the budget resolution approved by Congress in December.
I opposed this budget deal for a number of reasons. While Washington must stop government by crisis, we can’t go along just to get along – it’s irresponsible. Rather than enacting serious spending reforms, this budget resolution delays nearly half of actual cuts until 2022 and 2023. I was elected to cut wasteful spending now, not to push the responsibility on to our children and grandchildren.
I was also deeply troubled by proposed cuts in retired pay for our military men and women, including those who had to retire for medical reasons. These changes would affect current retirees, instead of grandfathering in those already receiving benefits. Such a significant move must be fully evaluated in an open, transparent, and deliberative legislative process. While the Senate Armed Services Committee is expected to consider reforms to military compensation, I oppose rushed year-end efforts to make these changes, which would cost veterans thousands of dollars in previously promised payments.
Instead of first targeting our veterans for the budgetary chopping block, I support targeting wasteful spending – and there’s no shortage of it. Senator Tom Coburn just released his annual waste report, identifying $30 billion in misguided spending. That’s the tip of the iceberg.
Another big item on this year’s agenda is the transportation bill. As a member of the Environment and Public Works Committee, I will have the opportunity to shape this important legislation that sets priorities and directs spending on infrastructure improvement projects across the nation.
Previously, I served as Chair of the Transportation and Telecommunications Committee in the Nebraska Legislature. At the federal level, I’m committed to addressing infrastructure-funding challenges with the same fiscal responsibility we demonstrated in Nebraska. I will also fight to ensure resources are not squandered on unnecessary paperwork, which is often required by Washington bureaucrats. I will be asking for the input of Nebraskans as the committee moves forward on updating our nation’s transportation policy. Your ideas are key to my ability to identify and push back on regulations that are unnecessary or ineffective.
I value your feedback on all issues. I am so grateful for the time Nebraskans take to share their insights, thoughts, and concerns with me directly in person, or through handwritten letters, e-mail, and social media. Your ongoing involvement enables me to better serve you. I hope you will continue to reach out to me in the year ahead.
Thank you for participating in the democratic process and I look forward to visiting with you again next week.
Like many Nebraskans, I was disappointed in the lack of progress on some important issues last year. For starters, tax reform, which is a top way to grow our economy, seems to be going nowhere despite bipartisan calls for action. Another issue left unresolved was the farm bill. While significant progress has been made, the conferees still have not come to an agreement. Nebraskans are tired of kicking the can down the road, and so am I. Our country needs some certainty. Five-year farm policy is necessary to achieve that and I’m hopeful for a speedy resolution soon.
The Senate officially reconvenes on January 3. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid controls the Senate’s schedule, and he has stated that we will begin by voting on the confirmation of Janet Yellen, the president’s pick to chair the Federal Reserve. Following that vote, Senator Reid has indicated that he will call up legislation to address expired long-term unemployment benefits. The Senate will then move on to the so-called omnibus spending bill.
Because the Senate failed to pass any appropriations bills this year – a basic requirement of Congress – the House and Senate must now vote on a single spending measure to fund the government for the remainder of the fiscal year. The spending levels for this bill are determined by the budget resolution approved by Congress in December.
I opposed this budget deal for a number of reasons. While Washington must stop government by crisis, we can’t go along just to get along – it’s irresponsible. Rather than enacting serious spending reforms, this budget resolution delays nearly half of actual cuts until 2022 and 2023. I was elected to cut wasteful spending now, not to push the responsibility on to our children and grandchildren.
I was also deeply troubled by proposed cuts in retired pay for our military men and women, including those who had to retire for medical reasons. These changes would affect current retirees, instead of grandfathering in those already receiving benefits. Such a significant move must be fully evaluated in an open, transparent, and deliberative legislative process. While the Senate Armed Services Committee is expected to consider reforms to military compensation, I oppose rushed year-end efforts to make these changes, which would cost veterans thousands of dollars in previously promised payments.
Instead of first targeting our veterans for the budgetary chopping block, I support targeting wasteful spending – and there’s no shortage of it. Senator Tom Coburn just released his annual waste report, identifying $30 billion in misguided spending. That’s the tip of the iceberg.
Another big item on this year’s agenda is the transportation bill. As a member of the Environment and Public Works Committee, I will have the opportunity to shape this important legislation that sets priorities and directs spending on infrastructure improvement projects across the nation.
Previously, I served as Chair of the Transportation and Telecommunications Committee in the Nebraska Legislature. At the federal level, I’m committed to addressing infrastructure-funding challenges with the same fiscal responsibility we demonstrated in Nebraska. I will also fight to ensure resources are not squandered on unnecessary paperwork, which is often required by Washington bureaucrats. I will be asking for the input of Nebraskans as the committee moves forward on updating our nation’s transportation policy. Your ideas are key to my ability to identify and push back on regulations that are unnecessary or ineffective.
I value your feedback on all issues. I am so grateful for the time Nebraskans take to share their insights, thoughts, and concerns with me directly in person, or through handwritten letters, e-mail, and social media. Your ongoing involvement enables me to better serve you. I hope you will continue to reach out to me in the year ahead.
Thank you for participating in the democratic process and I look forward to visiting with you again next week.
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
January Birthdays
January 3, Kay GollJanuary 4, 1918 to Sept. 10, 2013 Lloyd Greenhalgh (RIP)
January 5 McKayla Busboom
January 6, 1926 to Dec. 2, 2013 Ella Bangert (RIP)
January 8 Carolee Whipple
January 8 Lindsay Parr Krobot
January 9 Mary Ann Toepher
January 9 1981 Justin Auten
January 11, 1988 Amanda Petska
January 12 Lisa Waterbury
January 12, 1974 Tonya Smith
January 15, 1935 Wilma Siebrass
January 16 Robert Wademan
January 16, 1992 Caitlin Rhea Hilligas
January 17 Julie Morganflash
January 17 Luke Tenhoff
January 19 Mary Ann Lane
January 20 Gary Wilhelms
January 21 Sandy Lovette
January 22 Tyson Jordening
January 22 Rhonda Berns
January 22, 1988 Alexander A. Buschow
January 24 JoAnn Alber
January 25, 1992 Nathan Faimon
January 26 Susan Waterbury
Janauary 26 Kurt Burken
January 26 Irene Muhleisen
January 26 Megan Woeste
January 26, 1992 Kurt A. Burken
January 27 Samuel Krueger
January 29 Jason Kuhn
January 30 Sharon Woeste
January 31 Kelley Fielder
January 31 Kyle Toepher
Quote of the Day
“Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today. Let us begin.” — Mother Teresa
Monday, December 30, 2013
OSHA Shouldn’t Go Against the Grain
Nebraska’s vast horizon where blue sky meets rolling farmland is occasionally interrupted by towering silos that stand as proud reminders of Nebraska’s rich agricultural heritage. No doubt, grain bins and family farms go together like the State Fair and 4-H.
So, you can imagine the surprise by one of Nebraska’s family farms when the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) showed up and declared their grain bins separate from their farming operation. Their surprise was two-fold. First, everyone who has spent any time on a farm knows that grain storage is not only a normal, but an essential, part of many farm operations. Secondly, OSHA had no business setting foot on that farm because the law prohibits OSHA from enforcing regulations on small farms, specifically farms with fewer than 10 employees – this farm had just three.
It has been this way since 1976, when Congress first passed the small farms exemption. So while farms have been exempt from OSHA regulations for more than 35 years and grain storage has been a part of farming for generations, the agency has decided to ignore history and distort definitions to do an end-run around the law.
And here’s the kicker. That regulatory overreach came with a $132,000 fine for that Nebraska family.
This latest example of wrongful regulatory overreach further reinforces suspicions by the agriculture community that the Obama Administration is singling out America’s ag producers. I often hear from farmers and ranchers who must deal with agencies like EPA and OSHA going around the legal process by creatively interpreting the law or setting their own rules to expand their jurisdiction. Of course farmers and ranchers care about safety. And a safe working environment is especially important to small farmers and ranchers, whose families are often the only ones on the payroll.
I recently called on the Department of Labor, OSHA’s parent agency, to halt all activity in conflict with the long-held congressional direction regarding small, family owned farms and to send a clear signal that America’s ag producers are not going to be unfairly targeted. It’s time they stop the irony of claiming these farmers and ranchers are in the wrong, when in reality, OSHA is the one violating the law.
OSHA and other regulators need to stand with America’s ag producers rather than standing in their way.
The negative impacts of this latest overreach and the broad implications for our ag producers is clear. The way OSHA is doing it speaks to an even larger issue. This Administration is in hot pursuit of an overly aggressive regulatory agenda. An agenda that is being pursued outside of the legal process that allows for Congressional review and public comment, and outside of the law itself.
I’m going to continue working to ensure Nebraska’s farmers and ranchers can operate free from unnecessary and unlawful obstacles brought on by Washington bureaucrats – and to keep an ever-watchful eye on this Administration’s pursuit of an all-encompassing, costly regulatory agenda
It has been this way since 1976, when Congress first passed the small farms exemption. So while farms have been exempt from OSHA regulations for more than 35 years and grain storage has been a part of farming for generations, the agency has decided to ignore history and distort definitions to do an end-run around the law.
And here’s the kicker. That regulatory overreach came with a $132,000 fine for that Nebraska family.
This latest example of wrongful regulatory overreach further reinforces suspicions by the agriculture community that the Obama Administration is singling out America’s ag producers. I often hear from farmers and ranchers who must deal with agencies like EPA and OSHA going around the legal process by creatively interpreting the law or setting their own rules to expand their jurisdiction. Of course farmers and ranchers care about safety. And a safe working environment is especially important to small farmers and ranchers, whose families are often the only ones on the payroll.
I recently called on the Department of Labor, OSHA’s parent agency, to halt all activity in conflict with the long-held congressional direction regarding small, family owned farms and to send a clear signal that America’s ag producers are not going to be unfairly targeted. It’s time they stop the irony of claiming these farmers and ranchers are in the wrong, when in reality, OSHA is the one violating the law.
OSHA and other regulators need to stand with America’s ag producers rather than standing in their way.
The negative impacts of this latest overreach and the broad implications for our ag producers is clear. The way OSHA is doing it speaks to an even larger issue. This Administration is in hot pursuit of an overly aggressive regulatory agenda. An agenda that is being pursued outside of the legal process that allows for Congressional review and public comment, and outside of the law itself.
I’m going to continue working to ensure Nebraska’s farmers and ranchers can operate free from unnecessary and unlawful obstacles brought on by Washington bureaucrats – and to keep an ever-watchful eye on this Administration’s pursuit of an all-encompassing, costly regulatory agenda
THE YEAR IN REVIEW
|
| Sen. Mike Johanns |
It’s hard to believe another year has passed as your United States Senator. I want to thank you again for the privilege to serve our great state and also thank all who took the time to write, email, call and meet with me in person throughout 2013. From all 93 counties, your voices have been a guiding force for me in the Senate.
There was a lot of action in Washington this year, but fewer things made a bigger splash than the abysmal performance of Obamacare. I held a number of health care roundtables in 2013, and the resounding message from both patients and doctors in our state is that the law is doing more harm than good. These sentiments are strongly echoed on the webpage I launched for you to share Obamacare stories. I continue to believe that full repeal of Obamacare is the best option, but in the meantime, I have introduced and sponsored a number of bills to ease the law’s heavy burdens on American families and small businesses. My legislation to repeal the law’s new restrictions on health savings accounts (HSA) and flexible savings accounts (FSA) passed unanimously in the Senate in March and would allow families to plan for health care costs with the flexibility they’ve always enjoyed without the heavy hand of government getting in the way.
In Nebraska, sound ag policy has been another priority. Our farmers and ranchers are the backbone of our economy, and as a member of the Senate Ag Committee, I continue to seek ways to help them – and by extension our state – thrive and grow. I’ve been actively engaged in the current farm bill process, championing market and trade-friendly policies that would give our farmers and ranchers the best framework to ensure success in a global market. A long-term, five-year farm bill is currently being negotiated between the House and Senate, and I’m confident a final bill will be unveiled in January.
I continue to fight to protect farmers and ranchers from the Administration’s aggressive regulatory agenda. Most recently, I called on Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to back off its assault on small, family-run farms. OSHA ignored Congressional direction exempting small farms from its regulations and is attempting to stick a Holt County farm with more than $130,000 in fines.
Housing finance reform is another important measure I’ve been working on this year. This summer, I joined a bipartisan group of Senators in introducing a bill to reform the broken system. Our bill would replace government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs) Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, which now finance a majority of mortgages, with a privately capitalized system that keeps the market moving while ensuring taxpayers are never again on the hook for future bailouts. Since introducing our bill, the House has also moved forward on this issue and President Obama has signaled support for our plan. I’m pleased to see this effort gaining traction in Washington.
Of all my duties as a legislator, nothing brings me more joy than recognizing Nebraskans for their accomplishments. This year I nominated the Blue Hill heroes for the “Citizens Service Before Self Honors,” for courageously risking their own lives to rescue children from a burning bus. And, I helped make sure two Nebraska veterans received the honors they deserved. Vietnam veteran David Lehn had been waiting almost three years for medals earned during two tours in Vietnam with the U.S. Navy and the family of World War II veteran Joe Alberico, who was killed in action, was denied issuance of medals 70 years ago despite having all the paperwork. Helping with these issues was nothing short of a privilege.
I also recognized the Nisly family of Beaver Crossing as 2013 ‘Angels in Adoption.’ Over the past two decades, the Nislys selflessly opened their home to foster children, 9 of which they’ve adopted as their own. A tenth is in the process of being adopted.
I hope recognizing and honoring these selfless acts of love and bravery reminds everyone what is possible when we open our hearts to others.
We dealt with many important issues this year, and I invite you to visit my website at johanns.senate.gov for a full report. I expect another full year ahead and look forward to hearing from you in 2014.
Saturday, December 28, 2013
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