KEARNEY – More than 200 graduate and undergraduate degrees will be conferred at the University of Nebraska at Kearney commencement exercises at 10 a.m. Friday (Aug. 1) in the Ponderosa Room in the Nebraskan Student Union.
In all, there are 214 candidates for degrees – 96 undergraduate and 118 graduate degrees.
For those unable to attend commencement in person, the event will be available as a webcast. Information for the webcast is located at www.unk.edu or by visiting the UNKearney channel on You Tube. Graduating from the KBRX area are:
Bassett - Alyx Friedrich, master of business administration, business administration-accounting
Neligh - Kristen Evans, master of science in education, instructional technology-library media
O'Neill - Rita Hood, bachelor of science, radiography, Honorable Mention
O’NEILL (7/22/14) - Megan Hansen is the 2014 recipient of the Dr. Robert W. Waters Memorial Scholarship awarded each year by Avera St. Anthony’s Hospital.
Hansen is currently studying medicine at the University of Nebraska Medical Center and has a 4.0 GPA. She first became interested in medicine when she left the country for the first time to travel to Madagascar as part of an Engineers Without Borders travel team. One of her roles was to conduct health surveys in a rural community. She recalls from her trip, “I was dismayed to meet a woman, my age, who had lost three of her children to dehydration. It was as a result of this experience that I started thinking about a career in health care.”
Hansen has already gained valuable knowledge by job shadowing at Avera St. Anthony’s Hospital and volunteering in the Emergency Department at Bryan LGH in Lincoln.
“What stands out most about Megan is that she is truly compassionate. She will make an incredible doctor. She will be a “people’s doctor,” one who will go out of her way to make her patients feel comfortable and respected. I think we will really see Megan shine when she is able to interact with patients on a personal level. Witnessing her interactions with previous faculty and her classmates, I have come to realize that Megan’s gift is for relationships. That gift will make her an incredible physician and sincerely worthy of this scholarship,” said Carrie Elzie, Assistant Professor of Genetics at UNMC.
The Dr. Waters Scholarship Committee said they have not had so many qualified applicants in several years. “There were numerous very qualified applicants to choose from, it was difficult to pick just one,” said committee member Lucille Dufek.
Hansen is the daughter of Deb and Dave Hansen of Orchard, Nebraska. Deb is a Pharmacist at Avera St. Anthony’s.
The scholarship fund was established in memory of Dr. Robert W. Waters, a physician at St. Anthony’s Hospital for 23 years until he retired in 1981. It is awarded by a scholarship committee to the most deserving candidate based on academic performance, need and recommendations from school faculty.
The 106th Nebraska Amateur Championship Golf Tournament concluded today at Norfolk Country Club in Norfolk and the KBRX area saw a couple of golfers finish towards the top of the leaderboard.
Kris Koelzer of O'Neill, Tyler Schaaf of Lincoln, formerly of Atkinson, and Sam Meuret of Brunswick are KBRX area golfers who made the cut in the four round tournament. Several golfers with local ties are also competing. Josh and Rylee Reinertson of Gibbon were both in the top 10 to start the day, and Lucas Grossnicklaus of Aurora also made the short list for the final two rounds.
David Clouse of Friend had a great finish to the tournament to take the title at 13-under-par. His 66 score on the final day was more than enough to insure his first place finish, as he was seven strokes ahead of the field. The Reinertson boys finished second and fourth to push their way to the top of the scorecard.
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) announced today that she will hold listening sessions in Stuart and O’Neill on Friday, August 8, 2014. The sessions offer local Nebraskans a forum in a more informal setting to share their views and speak with Senator Fischer about their questions or concerns. The listening sessions will be held at the following times and locations:
O’Neill Listening Session with U.S. Senator Deb Fischer
The Blarney Stone
432 East Douglas Street
O’Neill, NE 68763
3:00 pm - 4:00 pm CT
Stuart Listening Session with U.S. Senator Deb Fischer
The Cast Iron Restaurant
806 East Highway 20
Stuart, NE 68780
4:45 pm - 5:30 pm CT
The O’Neill Police Department would like to thank the public for their overwhelming support during the Jail N’ Bail fundraiser to support the O’Neill Police Department K-9 Unit. A total of 114 “warrants” were issued and we were able to raise over $6,100 and only had one jail break. The donations will be deposited in the O’Neill Law Enforcement Account with the O’Neill Community Foundation. This money will be used to maintain and further enhance the K-9 Unit program through purchasing equipment, continued training, and regular maintenance/expenses. We at the O’Neill Police Department had a lot of fun Friday at the Jail N Bail and we hope you did too.
A special thanks goes out to the those who helped make the event possible and enjoyable. Thank you to Stock Realty (John and Toni Waterbury), Delray Kumm, Bomgaar's, Viaero Wireless, Ranell Otte, KBRX Radio, The Holt County Independent, Holt County Sheriff's Office, Big Red Bakery, The Horseshoe Restaurant, Dairy Queen, and Tim and Nikki Davis.
An O’Neill Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting was held at Family First Dental in O’Neill on Monday, July 21. Additionally, an open house was held to welcome Dr. Mark Pinkerton to O’Neill. Pinkerton, originally from the Beatrice area, is now accepting patients.
O'Neill's Summerfest Celebration ended on Sunday with O'Neill Mayor Bill Price inducting two new members into the City of O'Neill Hall Of Fame. Gene Kelly and Steve Brosz are the 2014 honorees.
Gene Kelly (left) and Mayor Price
Here is the script from Mayor Price inducting Gene Kelly into the City of O'Neill Hall Of Fame:
Gene Kelly is a dedicated member to this community and goes above and beyond on a daily basis for different groups this community, especially the softball program.
Every year, Gene schedules a certified umpire from the ASA to come to O’Neill to teach the class so that people on this area can become certified umpires. This saves umpires in the area the travel expenses of having to go out of town to have this certification done. Then he spends his summers umpiring many games a week, both local and at state. He lines up the umpires for games and tournaments. In the fall he umpires high school softball. He works with young pitchers to develop their skills.
Gene serves as a member of the Lions Club, Holt County Zoning Board, Upper Elkhorn NRD Board, Summerfest Rodeo Committee and 4H Committee. He has served as a former Elder of Christ Lutheran Church as well as a choir member of the Christ Lutheran/First Presbyterian Church Choir. The commitment to these organizations is noble, but it is what is witnessed behind the scenes that makes him a great community member.
Years ago his daughter remembers a client that had insurance with Gene had a tornado hit their place. Gene had the whole family ready to go and help with clean up that very next day because they weren’t just a client to Gene but a friend and a member of this community and it was the right thing to do. Gene is always willing to lend a helping hand to the residents of O’Neill and does it all with a positive attitude.
We are lucky to have Gene Kelly’s commitment to this community and his tireless efforts to make our town a better place to live every day.
Steve Brosz with his Grandchildren and Mayor Price
Here is the script from Mayor Price inducting Steve Brosz into the City of O'Neill Hall of Fame
Steve Brosz is being inducted into the O’Neill Hall of Fame for 40 years of care and dedication to the students of O’Neill Public Schools. Steve has served the students of O’Neill as a teacher, coach, activities director, and building principal. He nearly single handedly built the first weight room at O’Neill High School and was instrumental in many other physical additions to the high school; such as, the multi-purpose room, activity building and agricultural education addition. During Mr. Brosz’s tenure O’Neill High School’s 24-7 Learning Initiative was born, giving students in grades 7-12 access to Macbook computers both at school and at home. Steve’s office was always open to students and he always encouraged them to give their best efforts, both in the classroom and in their extra-curricular activities. Although he has retired after 40 years of service, I am sure that Mr. Steve Brosz will continue to support the educational efforts of O’Neill Public Schools long into the future.
Members of the American Legion Riders escourted the exhibit into O'Neill.
Members pictured with the creator of the exhibit, Bill Williams.
The O’Neill American Legion Riders Post #93 are sponsoring “Remembering Our Fallen”, a photo exhibit of Nebraska’s fallen since 9/11/01. The exhibit will be on display from July 18th to July 20th at the O’Neill National Guard Armory. The display will be open from 9:00 AM to 8 PM with the Opening Ceremony Friday at 8:30 AM. The exhibit features photos of over 80 Nebraskans killed in The War on Terror while wearing our nation’s uniform in Afghanistan or Iraq.
(left to right) Tony Soukup, Paul Mann, Jared Wolf and Roy Schaaf
Twenty-Seven teams participated in the O'Neill Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament fund raiser on Monday, July 14 at the O'Neill Country Club. The tournament funds will be used for a new "Welcome to O'Neill" on the west entrance into O'Neill along Highway 20.
The 9-hole Scramble tournament was won by the Agricultural Services team of Tony Soukup, Paul Mann, Jared Wolf and Roy Schaaf who shot a 7-under par 29.
The Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED), in coordination with the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), is currently developing the State’s new Consolidated Plan for the 2015 through 2019 Program Years. The 2015-2019 Consolidated Plan will define the State’s funding priorities for the next five years as they relate to the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME), Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG), and Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) Programs that are funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Your Input Is Important!! - Within the process of developing the Proposed 2015-2019 Consolidated Plan, the State is interested in obtaining citizen input in order to help shape the priorities of these HUD Programs that are being administered. In order to begin this public input process, DED has developed a brief survey that is intended to gather information on community needs throughout the state. The survey results will be utilized in the development of the Proposed 2015-2019 Consolidated Plan and will be used within the State’s upcoming focus groups and public input meetings that will be held later this summer in order to gather additional input prior to finalizing the Plan.
The Central Nebraska Economic Development District serves fourteen (14) counties in Central Nebraska, including: Blaine, Boyd, Brown, Cherry, Custer, Garfield, Greeley, Holt, Keya Paha, Loup, Rock, Sherman, Valley and Wheeler, plus an additional three (3) counties for housing, including: Hamilton, Howard and Merrick.
LINCOLN, July 11, 2014 – The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service announced that funding is available to producers who experienced crop damage due to severe weather during the 2014 growing season. Interested applicants have until Aug. 15, 2014, to apply.
The Storm Damage Cover Crop Initiative will assist producers with planting cover crops to re-establish vegetative cover lost due to extreme weather conditions such as drought, floods, tornado, hail and high winds.
Nebraska State Conservationist Craig Derickson said, “Nebraska’s producers know that weather in the Great Plains can be extreme, but this year has been especially devastating. In some areas, crops have been totally destroyed, leaving bare ground exposed.
“NRCS can help farmers and ranchers recover from these storm events by establishing cover crops to protect soil health. If soil health is degraded, the impact of this year’s extreme weather events will be felt for years to come.”
According to NRCS, cover crops can be an important tool in recovering from severe weather events like Nebraska has been experiencing. When a cover crop of grasses, legumes or small grains is planted, the soil is covered and protected from further damage from wind, water and heat. Leaving soil exposed can reduce soil health and lead to long-lasting crop production problems. Establishing a cover crop now can help protect and prepare the soil for the next growing season.
For more information about the Storm Damage Cover Crop Initiative and the other programs available from NRCS, visit your local USDA Service Center or www.ne.nrcs.usda.gov.
Pictured (l-r): Keith Thomson, Trevor Thomson, Larissa Thomson, Mathew Koelhmoos, Hunter Butts, Andrew Koelhmoos, Scott Moore, Hailee Harmon, and Tanner Storjohann.
The Holt County Shooting Sports 4-H team competed in Rogers, Arkansas July 4-6th at the Daisy National BB Gun Competition. The youth would like to thank all of the sponsors who made this trip possible.
Front l-r: Amy Timmerman (Extension Educator), Monica Engelhaupt, Cathy Sheinost.
Back l-r: Jenny Troester, Kaye Coburn, Teresa Janzing, Susan Sanderson and Judy Tomjack. Not pictured: Ann Kurpgeweit
The 1st Annie’s Project offered in Holt County concluded Monday July 7th. The six-week course focusing on risk management associated with agriculture production had eight participants from the area. During the course there were speakers and discussion about: crop marketing, crop insurance, basic financial documents, interrupting financial documents, Farm Service Agency, Natural Resource Conservation Service, websoil survey, estate planning, land rent, other insurance besides crop insurance, crop growth staging and hail damage assessment. The majority of the speakers were business professionals from O’Neill, Atkinson, Bloomfield and Elgin. All the participants stated that they learned something every night and that it was a great opportunity.
2014 PASE Intermediate Livestock Judging Team (Left to Right) Casey Coburn, Jace Stagemeyer, Neleigh Gehl
2014 PASE Senior Livestock Judging Team.(Left to Right) Ali Stout, Whitney Steckel, Kodi Gehl, Miles Stagemeyer
This year 4-Her’s from Garfield, Loup, Wheeler and Holt Counties combined forces to participate in the Nebraska 4-H Premier Animal Science Event. This event brings youth from across the state to compete in animal science contests on University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s East Campus June 30-July 1, 2014The GLW-Holt youth formed two teams to compete in the intermediate and senior division livestock judging contests.
The GLW-Holt Senior Livestock Judging team included Kodi Gehl of Ericson, Miles Stagemeyer of Paige, Whitney Steckel of Taylor and Ali Stout of Burwell. This contest is open to 4-Her’s over the age of 14 with winning teams advancing to national contests. The team reached an overall placing of 6th out of 33 teams. They also received top ten placings in the following categories:
Overall Individual: 5th Place Kodi Gehl
Beef Team: 6th Place
Sheep/Goat Individual: 5th Place Kodi Gehl
Swine Team: 6th Place
Swine Individual: 8th Place Miles Stagemeyer
Reasons Team: 10th Place
Reasons Individual: 7th Place Kodi Gehl
The GLW-Holt Intermediate Livestock Judging team included Casey Coburn of Atkinson, Neleigh Gehl of Ericson and Jace Stagemeyer of Paige. This contest is open to 4-Her’s 12-13 years old. The team reached an overall placing of 1st out of 12 teams. They also received top ten placings in the following categories:
Overall Individual: 2nd Place Neleigh Gehl
Overall Individual: 9th Place Casey Coburn
Beef Team: 1st Place
Beef Individual: 2nd Place Neleigh Gehl
Beef Individual: 4th Place Jace Stagemeyer
Sheep/Goat Team: 4th Place
Sheep/Goat Individual: 2nd Place Neleigh Gehl
Swine Team: 3rd Place
Reasons Team: 4th Place
Reasons Individual: 5th Place Neleigh Gehl
Congratulations to the GLW-Holt Livestock Judging teams on their success at PASE!
O’Neill, Nebraska will be the site and August 6 and 7 will be the dates for the 2014 annual Tour and Conference for the Nebraska Leafy Spurge Working Task Force. Feature stops for the August 6 tour will include: The Seed House; a Spotted Knapweed chemical test plot; Ashfall Fossil Beds Historical Park; and the Grove Lake State Fish Hatchery. The first day will conclude with a steak fry.
The Conference portion of the event will take place August 7 and will include speakers giving presentations on: Leafy Spurge Control; the collective value and impact of Nebraska’s Weed Management Areas; an update from the Nebraska Weed Management Area Coalition, (NEWMAC); an update from DuPont on the chemical Perspective and an activities update from the Sandhills Weed Management Area (SWMA) and the Middle Niobrara Weed Awareness Group (MNWAG).
For more information on the Tour and Conference please feel free to contact Rod Stolcpart at 402-822-0186 or by email at weedmanrod@abbnebraska.com
Frank Murphy was awarded the American Legion Citizenship Award at the annual District 2 spring convention held in Norfolk in March 2014. On 10 July 2014, District 2 Commander, Doug Frahm presented The Citizenship Certificate and Medal to Frank J. Murphy at our monthly scheduled meeting.
The Citizenship Award is presented to a Legionnaire who has displayed outstanding service to his/her state, community, country and post. Franks service over the years to community and post have been exemplary. He has given of his time, knowledge and talent to the veterans and the community.
This is the history of Frank Murphy’s background; He served in the Army in Korea from 1951 to 1953. He was commander of Stuart American Legion from 1961 to 1962, Post adjutant for 6 years and has been a member of the Color Guard for over 50 years and still participates as an active member. Frank also choreographed and performed in the annual American Legion Musical Show for 18 years.
Frank served as a School Board member for 8 years; Stuart Township Board for 8 years; FHA Board for 6 years and served on the Board of Directors of the Stuart Tri-County Bank for 10 years.
Frank Murphy has been a guest speaker at numerous Memorial Day and Veterans Day Programs.
Frank has served as President of St. Boniface Parish Council; St. Boniface Parish Trustee; Member of St. Boniface Choir for 30 years; Member of the Knights of Columbus for 53 years; Knights of Columbus 4th degree; Member of the Stuart/O’Neill Assembly; Stuart Volunteer of the year award recipient; Member of the German Band for several years; Member of the Sandhillbillies band for 48 years. Frank has been Grand Marshall for the Stuart 4th of July Celebration. He also entertains at the nursing home for residents in Stuart, Atkinson, O’Neill, Bassett and Butte. He plays the piano and sings to them on a weekly schedule. Frank Murphy is always willing to lend a helping hand in community activities.
The Stuart American Legion, Norton-Carlisle Post #115 is proud and honored to have Frank J Murphy as member of our Post and of our community. Thank you Frank J. Murphy.
The winners of the 4th of July Stuart American Legion Raffle are;
1st Place Phil Fritz $100.00
2nd Place Eleanor Slaymaker $100.00
3rd Place Karen Myers $100.00
4th Place Doug Gentele $50.00
5th Place Jon Ramm $50.00
The Stuart American Legion, Norton-Carlisle Post #115 would like to thank everyone who purchased tickets and to those that took the time to sell them. These funds go toward the children and youth activities, ie Boys State, Boys/Girls Junior Law Cadet Program, Scholarships and Easter egg hunt. Once again, Thank You for your continued support.
Summerland Golf Course in Ewing was the site on Friday, July 11 for their Junior Golf Tournament. Here are the results in the various age groups:
Girls 10-12 years old played 9 holes
1st Abby Broderson, Albion 45
2nd Skylar Reestman, Elgin 51
3rd Libby Wilkins, Ainsworth 59
Girls 16 & over played 18 holes
1st Victoria Osterman, Ainsworth 116
Boys 10-12 years old played 9 holes
1st Peyton Hoefer, Elgin 41
2nd Hunter Charf, Neligh 42
3rd Gage Clifton, Orchard 43 Boys 13-14 years old played 18 holes
1st Chase Largen, Creighton 80
2nd Sam Wilkins, Ainsworth 88
3rd Cole Gaughenbaugh, O’Neill 101
Boys 15-17 years old played 18 holes
1st Bryce Kerkman, Atkinson 78
2nd Andrew Schnoor, Randolph 84
3rd Theo Stenka, Atkinson 88
10-12 year old Winners
(front row left to right) Abby Broderson, Skylar Reestman & Libby Wilkins
(back row left to right) Peyton Hoefer, Hunter Charf & Gage Clifton
Boys 13-14 winners
(left to right) Chase Largen, Sam Wilkins & Cole Gaughenbaugh
Girls 16 & over Winner - Victoria Osterman
Boys 16-17 Winners
GRAND ISLAND, NE—Raising Nebraska has been announced as the official name for the new 25,000 square foot interactive display about Nebraska agriculture that debuts at the 2014 Nebraska State Fair in Grand Island.
The learning experience will include a wide range of interactive displays including a full-sized pivot irrigation system, a video theatre enclosed in a grain bin, a 50-foot-long floor map of Nebraska, a virtual combine ride, an interactive dinner table and other educational experiences.
The results of a statewide independent consumer research study clearly indicated that Raising Nebraska is a strong brand name for the facility. The new brand name will be supported by the phrase: "Your food & the families who grow it."
Raising Nebraska provides a great deal of flexibility in terms of the content, messaging and experiences that people will have inside the exhibit, according to Dr. Charles Hibberd, dean of extension at the University of Nebraska—Lincoln.
"First, it's about what Nebraska does best—raising high quality crops and livestock to provide food, feed, fuel and fiber for the world," Dr. Hibberd. "It also underscores the fact that agriculture and food production raise the state's economy from border to border and raise the profile of Nebraska on a global scale."
Hibberd noted that Raising Nebraska also refers to raising healthy families and raising overall awareness among consumers about where their food comes from. "We want consumers to meet the people who grow the food we all eat," he added. "There are plenty of opportunities in this exhibit for one-on-one conversations between farmers, ranchers and consumers."
"We also intend to raise awareness about the variety of career opportunities in agriculture, natural resources and food production so we can keep young people in the state and continue to strengthen Nebraska's leadership," Hibberd said. "Nebraska is a global center for research and innovation in agriculture and natural resources stewardship. This is where the future of sustainable food production is happening."
The working name for the exhibit has been "the Nebraska Agriculture Experience" , Hibberd said. "That was a pretty big mouthful. We knew we wanted something that had more marketing power and gave us the opportunity to expand the messaging and impact of the exhibit. Nebraska consumers clearly told us that Raising Nebraska was the way to go."
While Raising Nebraska will debut at the 2014 Nebraska State Fair, it will be available throughout the year for school groups, trade teams, and other visitors by appointment. A full-time UNL extension educator will be on-site year-round to manage the exhibit and work with visiting groups.
Raising Nebraska is a collaborative effort between the Nebraska State Fair, which is providing the building; the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, which is responsible for coordinating the efforts of the state's commodity groups; and the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR) at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL), which is developing and managing the 25,000 square foot educational experience area.
4-H Conservation Wildlife Outdoor Camp Held
07/09/14 04:08 PM
A day full of outdoor adventures was held June 20th at Fitchland north of O’Neill. A total of 31 youth were in attendance. The camp included a guided nature hike, casting practice, making turkey calls and creating nature art. Several 4-H volunteers donated their time to assist with the activities for the day! Pat Jones with UNL Extension in Brown, Rock and Keya Paha counties taught the youth how to cook over the campfire. The campfire cooking included: “Tex Mex Nacho Packets” and “Baked Apples”. Jonathan Andreasen, Nebraska Game and Parks conservation officer, came to speak to the kids about wildlife. Megan Hanefeldt with UNL Extension in Holt and Boyd counties taught the youth how to make their own turkey call. Sue Moore also with UNL Extension in Holt and Boyd Counties led the youth on a guided nature hike, teaching them about the landscape and local wildlife. The day concluded with a community service project for the owners of Fitchland
Members of various schools in FCCLA District 9 in Nebraska are in Texas this week.
Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) will bring more than 7,000 of its student leaders, members and advisers to the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio, Texas this week to participate in the 70th annual National Leadership Conference.
And among those are representatives of Nebraska FCCLA District 9 which includes the schools of O'Neill, West Holt, West Boyd, Chambers, Wheeler Central, Burwell, Spalding, Ord and Greeley-Wolbach.
National Leadership Conference provides opportunities for students and advisers to come together for fun and to listen to inspiring speakers, as well as to expand leadership skills, sharpen talents and explore career pathways. The theme of this year’s conference is “SOAR” and attendees will be challenged to go beyond what is expected of them to make lasting, positive impressions in their families, schools and communities.
O’Neill –Holt-Boyd County USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) Executive Director Lorrie Robinson announced that county committee election nominations began June 15, 2014. Farmers, ranchers and landowners are encouraged to nominate farmer and rancher candidates to serve on their local FSA county committee by the August 1, 2014 deadline.
Elected county committee members serve a three-year term and are responsible for making decisions on FSA disaster, conservation, commodity, and price support programs, as well as other important federal farm program issues.
"County Committees are unique to FSA and are a valuable resource that gives locally elected farmers and ranchers who participate in FSA programs the opportunity to impact farm programs at the local level,” said Lorrie Robinson. "I hope to see a high level of participation during the nomination and election process,” she said.
Producers may nominate themselves or others as candidates. Organizations that represent minority and women farmers and ranchers may also nominate candidates. Nominees must participate in a program administered by FSA, be eligible to vote in a county committee election and reside in the local administrative area (LAA) in which the person is a candidate. The election this year is in LAA-2 which consists of the middle part of Holt County from North to South. In Boyd County, the elections will be he held in LAA-5 which is everything East of 490th Ave.
To become a nominee, eligible individuals must sign form FSA-669A. The form and more information about county committee elections are available online at: www.fsa.usda.gov/elections.
“In order to have fair representation of the demographics and agricultural interests in the community, I encourage all producers, including women, minority and beginning farmers and ranchers to participate in the nomination and election process,” said Robinson.
County committees are comprised of three to five members elected by local producers. All newly elected county committee members and alternates will take office January 1, 2014.
Nomination forms must be postmarked or received in the local USDA Service Center by close of business on August 1, 2014.
For more information about county committees, please contact the Holt-Boyd County FSA office at 402-336-3796 ext. 2 or visit www.fsa.usda.gov/elections.
Ryan Frederick (left) receives certificate from CME Manager Mark Mengenhauser
Ryan J. Frederick, an employee of Charles Mix Electric, has successfully completed one of the world's most comprehensive training programs for power line personnel. The "Merchant Job Training and Safety Program" is administered to line personnel in 40 states throught the United States.
The four-year academic program is administered via computers and fax machines for immediate response, including assistance throught a web site. Ryan completed all of the "closed book" unit tests as well as a comprehensive final exam.
In addition to completing the course, apprentices must also complete 8.000 hours or the equivalent of four years, of on-the-job training. CME apprentice linemen Aaron Vandenhoek and Wade Wright are currently enrolled in similar study programs, and are working towards their goal of achieving journeyman lineman status.
Ryan lives in Lake Andes with his family, Samantha "Sam" Gray and their son, Linkyn. He is the son of Jim and Deb Frederick of O'Neill.
The Village of Pilger will hold a community meeting Monday, June 23 at 8 a.m. in the park. The meeting will cover an update of recovery progress and upcoming recovery activities.
“We have made great progress in recovering from the June 16 tornado but we have a lot left to do,” said Kim Neiman, Village Clerk. “We would like as many village residents to attend as possible so we can get a clear idea of where we stand.”
More Updates from Pilger: Pilger will stay closed until 8 p.m. Monday night to allow cleanup operations to continue in full force for one more day.
Damaged Vehicle Removal, Disposal Forms Available
Damaged vehicles in Pilger are becoming a hindrance to cleanup efforts. The Village Clerk has provided a form that all vehicle owners must complete before damaged vehicle can be removed. The Consent, Release and Waiver is available at the check-in location and at the food pavilion in Pilger. The form is to be used by the vehicle owner (including an insurance company who acquired ownership after settlement) to transfer the vehicle to the Village for removal and disposal at no cost to the owner and with no payment or consideration to be paid to the owner. Attach documents evidencing the title to the form.
Tetanus Vaccine Clinics
The Logan Valley District Health Department will be offering tetanus booster shots for people who are not up-to-date with their tetanus shots or who are unsure about their immunization status. The clinics will be offered Monday, June 23 – Friday, June 27, from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. daily at the Pilger Pool Bath House. Anyone wanting to receive a shot should bring their immunization record if possible.
Call-in Number For Pilger Recovery Efforts:
A call-in line will be in place to address all volunteer opportunities and donations in Pilger. The number is 402-833-1515 and will be in operation from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.
Nebraska Emergency Management Agency (NEMA)
The NEMA field team and mobile emergency operations center in Pilger are working with emergency managers in the areas affected by storms. The State Emergency Operations Center in Lincoln is open. NEMA will continue to monitor river levels and participate in daily flood updates. Additional information, photos, and videos can be found on the following NEMA sites: https://www.facebook.com/nema.page, http://www.youtube.com/user/TheNEMAtube, and https://twitter.com/NEMAtweets
Items Needed for Northeast Nebraska Tornado Relief The residents of the northeast Nebraska Counties hit by the June 16 tornados are very grateful for all the items Nebraskans have donated to help them recover. To help with the recovery they, and the workers helping them, need these certain items and also do NOT need certain items as they have ample supplies until further notice:
ITEMS NEEDED
Sunscreen
Bug spray
Anti-itch (cream, lotions, sticks) for bug bites
Kleenex tissues
Paper towels
Disposable razors
Packing tape
Sports drinks
Telescopic magnetic pick up tools
ITEMS NOT NEEDED at this time
Water
Any clothing other than plus size women’s clothing
Bring donated items to the Wisner Auditorium, 1001 Avenue D. If anyone has questions, please call the Volunteer Help Center at 402-833-1515.
Red Cross
A shelter opened on June 20 at the Wakefield Community Schools, 802 Highland St. On 6/20/14 the population was 27 and on 6/21/14 – 25.
The shelter that was previously operating at Wisner-Pilger High School moved on June 20 to Northeast Community College, 801 E. Benjamin Ave., Norfolk. The population on 6/20/14 was 7 and on 6/21/14 – 7.
Red Cross is available to meet with those impacted by the storms at their offices in Wayne (112 E. Second St.) and Norfolk (2602 W. Norfolk Ave.) Caseworkers will be at the Red Cross Shelter in Wakefield as well.
Nebraska Department of Roads (NDOR)
Highway 15 is open, although it is restricted on speed. Drive at lower speeds and watch for signs. If you have good reason to be on the highway, it is open but traffic may be heavy due to debris removal near Pilger. S. Highway 275 is open, but people are advised not to stop or walk on the roadway.
Weather permitting, work will begin the week of June 2nd, on Highway 81, from the Highway 81/59 Junction to the Highway 81/84 Junction. The project will include resurfacing the existing shoulders and adding shoulder rumble strips. Traffic will be maintained using flaggers and a pilot vehicle. Motorists are urged to use caution when traveling in this area.
During the period February 1, 2012 through January 31, 2013 Station KBRX AM & FM had no new hires
In an effort to keep the public informed of our personnel needs, KBRX AM & FM broadcasts two 30 second ads per week, informing the public to apply when an opening occurs. The help ads are run in class A times, and are scheduled
O’Neill –Holt-Boyd County USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) Executive Director Lorrie Robinson announced that county committee election nominations began June 15, 2014. Farmers, ranchers and landowners are encouraged to nominate farmer and rancher candidates to serve on their local FSA county committee by the August 1, 2014 deadline. 
