A write up by Ruth Nicolaus, courtesy of the Adams County Ag Society
Photo by Denise Kasperbauer
O’Neill, Neb. – Cody Colman is busy with branding.
It’s springtime in the Sandhills of Nebraska, which means that everybody’s help is needed to brand. And that gives Cody, a member of the Nebraska High School Rodeo Association, practice at roping and wrestling calves.
Cody, who lives outside of O’Neill, is a team roper and tie-down roper in the NHSRA, and has competed in high school rodeo the past four years. He just graduated from O’Neill St. Mary’s School, where he enjoyed going to school. A Catholic education was important to him. “I could practice my religion freely every day, and I am a lot closer to my classmates.”
When he has the chance, Cody works alongside his dad at the ranch where his dad is employed. During the school year, he only works on the weekends and during holiday breaks. In the summer, he’ll work nearly fulltime, saving his money for big purchases. He also rides colts for the boss, and some of his own. Cody doesn’t train colts but puts the time needed riding them, giving them experience and maturity. The extra income is nice. “I like to save up, but I’ll buy big things every now and then.”
The last big thing he bought was the extra “trimmings” on a championship saddle. Cody won the state high school rodeo team roping championship his sophomore year, and he put a little extra money into the saddle to get more embossing and inlays on it.
He and his team roping partner, Tom Littel of Elm Creek, are currently ranked second in the high school rodeo standings, and are on track to return to the High School Finals Rodeo in Hastings in mid-June. He loves the Hastings rodeo. “I really like the rodeo they have there with state. It’s different than the rest of the (yearly) rodeos, and it has a better atmosphere for state finals than just a regular season rodeo.”
He is a member of the Country Clover 4-H Club of Holt County, where he has been captain of the 4-H Horse Quiz Bowl team. He’s also showed cattle, horses and sheep.
This fall, Cody will attend Eastern Wyoming College in Torrington, to study farm and ranch management and rodeo collegiately.
He has a younger sister, Taylor, who is 14, and a younger brother, Wyatt, age 12. He is the son of Chad and Sandi Colman.
4-H Livestock Summer Programming
05/21/13 09:20 AM
The 4-H Quality Assurance (QA) Program teaches youth about the quality of meat and food products that come from livestock. Quality assurance for livestock producers means making a promise to the consumers, or the people who consume the meat, milk and dairy products, and eggs that come from livestock poultry. The promise made is that products from livestock will be the highest possible quality and producers will do everything possible to make these products safe to eat.
All Holt and Boyd County 4-H & FFA Youth ages 8-18, who are enrolled and planned to exhibit at the country or state fair (beef, dairy cattle, dairy goat, meat goat, poultry, rabbit, sheep, and swine), will be required to complete the Livestock Quality Assurance Course offered on one of the following dates:
May 22; 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. – Holt County Annex, O’Neill
May 28; 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. – Boyd County Courthouse, Butte
May 30; 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. – Holt County Annex, O’Neill
June 3; 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. – Holt County Annex, O’Neill
Sheep and Goat tagging dates will be held: June 6; 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at the Fairgrounds, Chambers and June 7; 8:00 – 10:00 a.m. at the Holt County Annex. Extension personnel must visually see the tag in the sheep or goats ear.
Rabbit Tattooing will be held on June 10; 8:00 – 9:30 a.m. in the Holt County Annex, O’Neill. Only rabbits that do not have a current tattoo are required to come this day so the rabbit can be identified.
Clover Kid exhibitors must use a 4-H tag from the office and turn in an ID form by June 15, and are not required to have the animal ID checked on the tagging dates. Clover Kid exhibitors do not have to take Quality Assurance.
Bucket Calf/Bottle Lamb exhibitors must use a 4-H tag from the office and turn in an ID form by June 15, and are not required to have the animal ID checked on the tagging dates. These exhibitors must take Quality Assurance.
For further questions contact the Holt County Extension Office at: 402-336-2760.
Team Jack Encourages Donors to Participate in Holt County Blood Drives
05/21/13 09:14 AM
OMAHA, Neb. (May 20, 2013) – Seven-year-old Jack Hoffman is well known for his strength while fighting brain cancer; his quest to increase awareness and funding for pediatric brain cancer; and his 69-yard run for a touchdown during the Nebraska Cornhuskers’ spring football game. In June, Team Jack is lending its support to help other cancer patients by encouraging donors in Holt County, Nebraska, Jack’s home county, to turn out and give blood.
“Blood transfusions and usage of blood products is critical during cancer treatment,” said Brianna Hoffman, Jack’s mother. “Holt County is unbelievably supportive. We would like our friends and neighbors to know that when they give blood, they are filling a very important role in the battle against pediatric brain cancer and all childhood and adult cancers.”
It is not uncommon for patients with cancer to require blood during their treatment. In fact, some cancer patients require daily transfusions.
The family of Jack Hoffman is committed to fighting for those suffering from pediatric brain cancer. To that end, they have started the Team Jack Foundation, a non-profit organization devoted to raising money to help fund childhood brain cancer research. Encouraging people to give blood is just another way to help in the fight.
“We are so thankful to the Red Cross and for what they mean in the fight,” said Andy Hoffman, Jack’s father. “We are especially thankful for the countless volunteers that help at these blood drives and encourage others to give blood.”
Team Jack is encouraging everyone in Holt County to consider donating blood in June. By doing so, the people in Holt County can help other patients continue their fights against childhood cancer.
In honor of Jack, the Red Cross has tagged the June Holt County blood drives the “Team Jack Blood Drives.”
Team Jack Blood Drive dates
Wednesday, June 5 from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Atkinson Community Center, 206 W. Fifth St., Atkinson
To make an appointment, please call Gaylene at (402) 925-5934 or visit redcrossblood.org.
Monday, June 10 from noon to 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday, June 11 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
O’Neill Knights of Columbus. 410 W. Douglas St., O’Neill
To make an appointment, please call Ellen at (402) 394-1215 or visit redcrossblood.org.
Wednesday, June 19 from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Stuart City Auditorium, 204 Parnell St., Suart
To make an appointment, please call Abby at (402) 924-3041 or Donna at (402) 924-3469 or visit redcrossblood.org.
The Team Jack Blood Drive comes at an important time for the Red Cross. Historically, during the summer months of June, July and August, about two fewer donors give blood at each Red Cross blood drive than what patients need. But, this seasonal challenge can be overcome two generous donors at a time, at every blood drive, every day.
How to Donate Blood
Simply call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license, or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental permission in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
The Chambers Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) met Thursday, May 16, 2013 to install officers and recognize members and others who contributed to the success of the chapter during the 2012-2013 school year. The meeting opened with a slideshow of the year in review presented by Alexa Farewell.
Installed as member of the 2013-14 Chambers officer team were Bethany Lambert, president; Alexa Farewell, executive vice president; Leanne DeKay, secretary; and program vice presidents Molly Lambert, Jamie Laetsch, Chyenne Burrell, Kacie Gribble, Brant Pavel, Nicole Beed; and Alexa Farewell, District 9 representative.
Receiving outstanding member awards were senior high members Brant Pavel, Kacie Gribble, and Bathsheba Doty. Recognized as outstanding junior high members were Travis Halsey and Kenade Tomjack. Samantha Beed, 2012-13 president was recognized as the outstanding officer.
Senior officers Samantha Beed and Andrea Lemmer shared their advice with the group and were recognized and thanked for their leadership and contributions to the chapter. Also recognized were senior members Michael Tomjack, Corbin Rasmussen, and Haleah Ritenour. Senior moms Jody Beed and Kathy Lemmer received certificates for their support of the chapter. Alexa Farewell presented a slideshow highlighting each senior member’s FCCLA involvement.
Appreciation certificates were also presented to Kevin and Sharlene DeKay and Cathy Pavel. Also mentioned for their support were local media outlets, Barb Hubel, and Charissa Sladek.
FCCLA is a dynamic and effective youth organization whose central focus is strengthening the family and creating youth leaders.
Fischer Announces Staff Local Office Hours in O'Neill
05/20/13 10:33 AM
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) announced today that her staff will be holding local office hours at three locations in the area. The first will be at the Atkinson Public Library on Wednesday, May 29, 2013 from10:00 am – 11:00 am CT. Her representative will then head east to the Holt County Courthouse on Wednesday, May 29, 2013 from12:00 pm – 1:30 pm CT. Her final destination will be at the City Council Chambers of Neligh on Wednesday, May 29, 2013 from3:00 pm – 4:30 pm CT. Her representative at all three locations will be Tiffany Settles, who is a Constituent Services Representative. These office hours serve as a more convenient opportunity for constituents to meet personally with staff regarding federal casework assistance or other issues at the federal level.
WHERE:
Atkinson Public Library
210 West State Street
Atkinson, NE 68713
WHEN:
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
10:00 am – 11:00 am CT
WHERE:
Holt County Courthouse
Holt County Board of Supervisor’s
Meeting Room
204 N. 4th Street
O’Neill, NE 68763
WHEN:
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
12:00 pm – 1:30 pm CT
WHERE:
City Council Chambers
202 Main Street
Neligh, NE 68756
WHEN:
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
3:00 pm – 4:30 pm CT
Tips for Spectators at the Atkinson Festival of Races
05/20/13 10:24 AM
ATKINSON — Nothing motivates the runners more than the cheering of spectators lining the race course. One runner wrote on her blog, “I adore the screaming crowds. I don’t care who they are really cheering for, when I pass them, in my mind, it’s all for me. There is the person waving an American flag, the little girl giving you a high-five and passing out orange slices, and the man holding a sign that says, “The reason your feet hurt is because you are kicking butt.”
Race officials are encouraging everyone to get involved in race day activities either as an athlete, a volunteer or a spectator. If successful, the Atkinson Festival of Races will become an annual event. Runners will return to Atkinson, not because of the course, but because of the hometown hospitality and the spectators’ encouraging words and expressions.
Tips for Spectators: Form a Spirit Team - Anyone can form a team – family and friends of runners, businesses, churches, youth groups, bands, cheer and dance squads, and other groups are all welcome – we want to share the spirit of our community with the runners. It is suggested that Spirit Teams have a theme. Some examples are: West Holt Huskies, Hawaiian, Rock n Roll, Disney, or Hay Days. Runners will vote for their favorite Spirit Team. Spirit Teams must be registered with the Race Director (925-1956 or foundation@westholtmed.org) to be considered for the competition. Line up at the start/finish line at Main Street and State Street to give the runners a strong welcome to Atkinson and return to the finish line to congratulate the runners. Parking for spectators is limited downtown. Please plan to walk down or to park on residential streets. Main Street and part of State Street are closed to traffic during the races along with the other streets that are part of the courses. A map of the courses can be found in this week’s Atkinson Graphic or located on the City office’s store front window. Make motivational signs to wave when the runners pass by you on the course. Examples: “Oh heck, you have come this far, you might as well finish”, “Dude, whoever you are, run real fast, run real far”, “In our minds, you are all fast”, “Chuck Norris never runs a half marathon”, “Worst Parade Ever”, “Your legs will forgive you eventually”, and if you know someone running in the race, make a sign with their name and a message. Make noise to encourage the runners: Clap, play music, ring a cowbell and cheer loud. Remember that the runners at the back of the pack will need the most encouragement as they will be on the course the longest. Be sure to cheer for them as well! Have a party with friends and neighbors if the course travels past your area. If you're looking for a friend or family member, find out their projected pace per mile ahead of time and use a pace chart to figure out where and when they should reach certain points on the map. It also helps to know what they will be wearing. Please do not drive on the course. Have a finish line plan. The finish area can be crowded and chaotic, so make sure you and your runner have a predetermined place to meet up.
During and after the race enjoy the Festival of Arts and Agriculture from 7:30 am – 3:00 pm located on State Street in front of Great Western Bank. Some stores in Atkinson will have special open hours. Please stop in and do a little shopping. Please remember to stay off of the course. Show athletes the respect they've worked for by resisting the urge to cross in front of them.
Race registration is open online and via mail through Friday, May 24. Onsite registration on Saturday is at the Atkinson Presbyterian Church, 508 E. 5th Street, from 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm. Onsite registration on race day, Sunday, May 26, is at the Tech 1st building (102 Main Street) from 6:00 am – 7:00 am. Absolutely no registrations after 7:00 am on race day. Race events include: Half Marathon, 2- person Half Marathon Relay, 5K or the 2.5 Mile Walk. Runners can win up to $1,000.
To volunteer, register or learn more about the Atkinson Festival of Races and the Festival of Arts and Agriculture visit www.atkinsonfestivalofraces.org.
Holt-Boyd FSA To Hold CRP Signup
05/16/13 11:53 AM
Holt-Boyd FSA will hold a Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) General Signup from May 20 through June 14, 2013. Producers and landowners are urged to take action now in considering the environmental and financial benefits of CRP. The signup period is only 4 weeks. This may be one of the few opportunities to enroll in General CRP for several years.
Producers and landowners are also encouraged to look into CRP’s other enrollment opportunities, including Continuous CRP and the Platte-Republican CREP (Western and Southwestern Nebraska). These programs are open on a continuous, non-competitive basis and provide even further financial opportunities and incentives. Most land that is enrolled under Continuous CRP or CREP do not have to meet the Highly Erodible Land (HEL) requirement for General CRP enrollments.
Rental Rates have been updated to represent the higher rental rates in the local area for Boyd County this is $88.00 and for Holt $62.00. Rental rates are determined based upon the soil type and the surrounding area’s rental rates. Contact your local FSA Office for rental rates in your area.
The deadline for General CRP Signup is June 14, 2013. Contact the Holt-Boyd FSA Office at 402-336-3796 ext. 2 to evaluate your options in enrolling in CRP.
Chambers FCCLA Gets 6th Graders "Ready for the Red"
05/16/13 11:51 AM
By Alexa Farewell
Are YOU ready for the red? Well, the Chambers 6th grade students sure are! On May 14, 2013 nine of the sixth graders gathered in the FCS room for a fun, information meeting with some of the Chambers FCCLA chapter officers.
The 6th graders started off with some fun “minute to win it” games. After that they listened to personal stories about community service, leadership conferences, STAR, and running for offices from the junior chapter officers Bethany Lambert, Alexa Farewell, Jamie Laetsch, Leanne DeKay, and Abby Reiman. The 6th graders learned and asked questions about joining FCCLA when they start 7th grade.
The meeting was done as part of Alexa Farewell’s Promote and Publicize FCCLA project Spread the Red. This hopefully sparked the interest of the 6th graders to spread the red and join FCCLA as 7th graders.
Vandersnick Honored as Mount Marty Nursing Graduate
05/16/13 08:53 AM
YANKTON, SD – The Mount Marty College nursing program held a Pinning Ceremony for May and December graduating nursing students on Friday, May 10, 2013 at 6:00 p.m. in the college’s Marian Auditorium.
Mount Marty College Nursing Program is proud to acknowledge this year’s May nursing graduates, which includes Tiffany Vandersnick of O’Neill.
Established in 1986, Mount Marty’s Pinning Ceremony acknowledges the achievement of the graduating seniors and their transition from student role to a professional role. The nurse’s pin represents the philosophy of the school and of the nursing program, and its presentation signifies a sending forth or commissioning of the students to begin their nursing careers as graduates of MMC.
Tradition defines that the nursing pin is unique to the nursing program from which the student graduates. In the past, a nurse’s cap and pin represented the school from which he or she attended. Today, Mount Marty’s pin remains as the lone symbol of their education.
Each element of the MMC nursing pin represents an aspect of the nurse’s dedication. Mount Marty’s pin is a black shield on gold with a white cross embedded on the shield. The modified Benedictine cross represents a crossroads of ideas and also depicts the ultimate aim of the college: to form persons in the Spirit of Christ with apostolic zeal for the world-wide work of restoring all things for Christ.
For more information on the Mount Marty College nursing program please visit www.mtmc.edu/nursing.
First Big Game Application Period Begins May 20
05/15/13 12:19 PM
LINCOLN, Neb. The first application period for big game hunting permits begins May 20 at 1 p.m. Central Time and runs through June 7.
A summary of the application period:
Deer Residents and nonresidents may apply for one permit in any one draw unit. The draw units are: Republican Mule Deer, Platte Mule Deer Conservation Area (MDCA), Platte Whitetail, Frenchman MDCA and Frenchman Whitetail.
Antelope Residents and eligible landowners may apply for one buck or either-sex firearm permit or one muzzleloader permit.
Elk Residents and eligible landowners may apply for one permit.
Residents will get preference over nonresidents in the application process. The permits will be drawn in mid-June.
All remaining big game permits will be available on a first-come, first-served basis beginning July 8 at 1 p.m. Central Time.
O'Neill PD Issues Reminder About ATV Laws
05/14/13 09:53 AM
The O'Neill Police Department would like to remind the public the operation of All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) and mini bikes on public roads, streets, and alleys within city limits of O'Neill is prohibited by Nebraska State Statute and O'Neill City Ordinance.
Mini-bike means a two-wheel device which has a total wheel and tire diameter of less than fourteen inches or an engine rated capacity of less than forty-five cubic centimeters displacement or any other two-wheel device primarily designed by the manufacturer for off-road use only. Mini-bike does not include an electric personal assistive mobility device.
All-Terrain Vehicle means any motorized off-highway device which:
- is fifty inches or less in width
- has a dry weight of nine hundred pounds or less
- travels on three or more low-pressure tires
- is designed for operator use only with no passengers or is specifically designed by the original manufacturer for the operator and one passenger
- has a seat or saddle designed to be straddled by the operator
- has handlebars or any other steering assembly for steering control
The O'Neill Police Department appreciates everyone's cooperation with this matter.
St. Mary's Students Place at State Journalism
05/14/13 09:11 AM
The Nebraska School Activities Association’s State Journalism Championships were held on May 13, 2013 at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. The top-12 places from the preliminary judging, event champions in Classes A1, A2, B, C, and D, and alternates were invited to compete in the State Contest. The one-day championship event is sponsored by the Nebraska School Activities Association, the Nebraska High School Press Association and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Two St. Mary’s students competed in and placed in the News Writing category.
News Writing
1. Bailey Netsch, Millard West
2. Emma Johanningsmeier, Omaha Westside
3. Kendall Uhrich, Gering 4. Jean Zakrzewski, St. Mary's 5. Sarah Pribil, St. Mary's
6. Julia Oestmann, Johnson-Brock
Those two placers were good enough to land St. Mary’s into the fifth spot in the team sweepstakes.
Class D
Johnson-Brock, 34
Scribner-Snyder, 20
Harvard, 20
Dorchester, 18
St. Mary's, 17
Thayer Central, 9
Hayes Center, 5
Crawford, 2
Cody-Kilgore, 1
Holt-Boyd Extension Plans to offer Livestock Quality Assurance Course
05/13/13 04:31 PM
The 4-H Quality Assurance (QA) Program teaches youth about the quality of meat and food products that come from livestock. Quality assurance for livestock producers means making a promise to the consumers, or the people who consume the meat, milk and dairy products, and eggs that come from livestock poultry. The promise made is that products from livestock will be the highest possible quality and producers will do everything possible to make these products safe to eat.
All Holt and Boyd County 4-H Youth ages 8-18, who are enrolled in a livestock project (beef, dairy cattle, dairy goat, meat goat, poultry, rabbit, sheep, and swine), will be required to complete the Livestock Quality Assurance Course offered on the following dates:
May 22; 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. – Holt County Annex, O’Neill
May 30; 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. – Holt County Annex, O’Neill
June 3; 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. – Holt County Annex, O’Neill
May 28; 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.– Boyd County Courthouse, Butte
Area Northeast CC Students Earn Nursing Pins
05/13/13 09:29 AM
NORFOLK - Associate degree nursing and practical nursing students received their nursing pins in a recent special ceremony at Northeast Community College in Norfolk.
Upon completion of the first two semesters of nursing studies at Northeast, students are eligible to take the National Council of Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN) to become licensed practical nurses. Students who hold a 3.0 grade point average in their nursing courses are eligible to complete the last two semesters of the Northeast program and take the National Council of Licensure Exam (NCLEX-RN) to practice as licensed registered nurses. Students who graduate with an associate degree in nursing are eligible to continue their studies for a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing.
Northeast also offers a University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) transfer option for students pursuing a nursing degree. This program allows students interested in pursuing a degree from UNMC to complete their general education requirements at Northeast and continue classes for nursing at a UNMC College of Nursing division. One of those divisions, the J. Paul and Eleanor McIntosh College of Nursing, opened on the Northeast campus in Norfolk in August, 2010.
The Northeast nursing program also includes a pre-professional nursing degree option. This major provides a curriculum of courses to earn either an associate of arts or associate of science degree in pre-professional nursing. Current and prospective students not yet enrolled in the nursing program at Northeast can earn that degree. Students with a pre-professional nursing degree can transfer to a four-year college to continue with their bachelor’s degree in nursing.
Students who were pinned with the Associate Degree Nursing pin, from the KBRX listening area are:
Each nursing school, at every level of education, has its own unique pin which is worn on the nursing uniform. The nursing school pin that graduates of the NECC associate degree nursing and licensed practical nursing program receive is symbolic of nursing’s heritage and tradition.
Some practical nursing students have chosen to continue in the associate degree nursing program at Northeast.
O'Neill Elementary Honors "Super Citizens"
05/13/13 09:27 AM
O’Neill Elementary School honored Super Citizens at their May 7th assembly. These students were nominated by their homeroom teachers because they had consistently demonstrated being respectful, safe and responsible. These students are prepared, are safe, follow directions, follow rules and do what is right in school situations. Congratulations to these Super Citizens:
The Northeast Nebraska Resource Conservation & Development (RC&D) Council is continuing their popular E-waste recycling. On May 14th there will be electronic waste collected in Niobrara from 9 – 11 a.m. at the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska headquarters at 252-1 Spruce St. Later that same day an event will be held in Ponca at the intersection of Union St. & East 3rd St.
from 1 – 2:30 p.m. and then in Jackson from 3 – 4 p.m. at the Northeast Nebraska Telephone Co., 110 West Elk St. on Hwy. 20.
On May 16th a collection will be done in Pierce from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Pierce Telephone Co. Office, 112 S 5th St. and in the afternoon at the RC&D office in Plainview from 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. Small fees do apply. Please call 402-582-4866 for more information.
Electronic waste includes computer components, TV’s and small appliances. The RC&D Council looks forward to serving you with this and many other projects that will make life better for citizens in the six-county service area of Antelope, Cedar, Dixon, Knox, Pierce, and Wayne counties.
Grazing Tour to be Held in the Sandhills
05/10/13 01:56 PM
Mark your calendars for the Nebraska Grazing Lands Coalition (NGLC) –Nebraska Cattlemen (NC) joint Summer Grazing Tour scheduled for June 11, 2013 in the southeastern Nebraska Sandhills.
The tour will involve four long standing Sandhills ranches northwest of Burwell including the Gracie Creek Ranch; the Shovel Dot Ranch; the Twin Creek Ranch, and UNL grazing research on the Barta Brothers Ranch.
Do not miss this opportunity to learn from some of the most progressive grazers in Nebraska as they relate their unique incorporation of grazing techniques and time tested managerial practices that make their operations work. Box lunches will be provided for consumption en route between stops. The day concludes with an evening steak dinner at the Barta Brothers Ranch featuring a panel discussion of the owners from the tour stops and UNL grazing researchers. Come and learn more about the activities of the NGLC and NC. Registration fee is $15 per person and preregistration is required for meal counts by contacting Ron Bolze, NGLC Coordinator or by June 3.
UNL Extension Hatches Chicks With Two O'Neill Classrooms
05/09/13 02:58 PM
UNL Extension Agent Megan Hanefeldt with St. Mary's 1ts Grade Class
The first grade class at St. Mary’s Elementary School and the second grade class at O’Neill Elementary School had the opportunity to hatch chicks in their classrooms. The first grade class at St. Mary’s hatched their chicks during the month of March. Unfortunately, this batch was not very successful, but they did have one chick in the end. The second grade class at O’Neill Elementary hatched five baby chicks in April. Since the first batch of chicks did not hatch very well for the first graders at St. Mary’s, Megan Hanefeldt, 4-H Assistant with UNL Extension made a surprise visit to their classroom with a few newly hatched chicks. The first graders were happy to have the opportunity to hold some more baby chicks. Through the hatching process the youth learned about the importance of turning the eggs, keeping the air moist in the incubator, and maintaining the temperature at 100 degrees at all times. As a part of the incubating process, the youth got a chance to study the growth and development of the embryo inside each egg through a process called candling. The students also learned all about the chicken life cycle and truly enjoyed having the chicks in their classroom. For more information about embryology and to watch the live “Egg Cam” in Lancaster County visit: http://lancaster.unl.edu/4h/embryology/
Books Donated To Local School
05/09/13 02:42 PM
(Pictured - Leap Preschool Teacher Michelle Haburchak, FCCLA officers, Holly Hesse and Grace Bunner, RISE Specialist Nikki Davis and LEAP Preschool Students)
The RISE Specialist from Nebraska District 8 State Probation, along with O'Neill High School FCCLA, collected books over the month of April and delivered children's books to the LEAP Preschool at Christ Lutheran Church, in O'Neill, Nebraska, as part of the Cornhusker Book Drive.
** The O'Neill Police Department was pleased to participate as a drop site for the Cornhusker Community Book Drive, sponsored by ServeNebraska, The RISE Program, partnering with O'Neill FCCLA.
Ford Park Playground Equipment To Be Upgraded
05/09/13 11:12 AM
Ford Park Playground will be closed for a couple of weeks for upgrades.
This notice from the City of O'Neill. The playground equipment at Ford Park, the swimming pool park, is being dismantled this week and next. They will be installing new equipment in the next few weeks. Please stay off the equipment as it is being worked on and be looking for a new playground coming soon. The City of O'Neill appreciates your patience.
.bmp)
The 4-H Quality Assurance (QA) Program teaches youth about the quality of meat and food products that come from livestock. Quality assurance for livestock producers means making a promise to the consumers, or the people who consume the meat, milk and dairy products, and eggs that come from livestock poultry. The promise made is that products from livestock will be the highest possible quality and producers will do everything possible to make these products safe to eat.
Holt-Boyd FSA will hold a Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) General Signup from May 20 through June 14, 2013. Producers and landowners are urged to take action now in considering the environmental and financial benefits of CRP. The signup period is only 4 weeks. This may be one of the few opportunities to enroll in General CRP for several years. 
Mount Marty College Nursing Program is proud to acknowledge this year’s May nursing graduates, which includes Tiffany Vandersnick of O’Neill.
NORFOLK - Associate degree nursing and practical nursing students received their nursing pins in a recent special ceremony at Northeast Community College in Norfolk.
The Northeast Nebraska Resource Conservation & Development (RC&D) Council is continuing their popular E-waste recycling. On May 14th there will be electronic waste collected in Niobrara from 9 – 11 a.m. at the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska headquarters at 252-1 Spruce St. Later that same day an event will be held in Ponca at the intersection of Union St. & East 3rd St.
