Voice News January 17, 2008 - Section 1
Transcription
Voice News January 17, 2008 - Section 1
What’s Inside: • Sterling boys win MUDECAS tourney • Bennet family opens home to foster kids • Haven Manor gets a cappella treat VOICE Thursday, January 17, 2008 Vol. 30-No. 30 News of Western Otoe, Western Johnson, Northern Gage, Southern Cass & Lancaster Counties If your label reads 01-31-08, it’s time to renew! Lincoln, NE home of Louis Harms Single copy 75¢ Hickman, NE • (402) 792-2255 • www.voicenewsnebraska.com • [email protected] • Bennet, NE • (402) 782-6060 Village of Bennet New water tower near Cheney to serve in process of annexing residential properties increasing population bank, By Mark Mahoney The community of Bennet is in • Bennet has slowly grown in southeast Lincoln the process of growing a little bit over the past 18 years. In A new water tower is being built near the village of Cheney because of the rapidly increasing population in southeast Lincoln. The new tower, which is owned by the city of Lincoln, will not interfere with the tower (in the background) that belongs to Lancaster County Rural Water District No. 1, which serves people outside of Lincoln’s corporate limits. Photo by Bill F. Bryant By Mark Mahoney With faster-than-predicted population growth in southeast Lincoln, the village of Cheney is getting another water tower. A project originally slated to start in 2012, the water tower is being built near South 98th Street and Breagan Road, just southeast of Cheney, because of the increased commercial and residential growth in southeast Lincoln. Lancaster County Rural Water District No. 1 also has a water tower in the same area, but it serves customers who live outside of Lincoln. The new $3 million city tower, which will be painted cloud white and reach 130 feet into the air when complete, will serve a four-to-five-square-mile piece of land between 70th and 98th streets and Rokeby and Old Cheney Roads, and future developments southeast of Lincoln as the city continues to grow. Nick McElvain, operations support manager for the Lincoln Water Department, said while this area is currently served by a booster pump station with a backup generator, there is no water storage in what city engineers call the Cheney Booster District, one of six different pressure districts in Lincoln. The city is divided into pressure districts because of the variations in elevation from roughly 1,150 feet above sea level near the Salt Creek part of town to about 1,450 feet near Cheney. McElvain said the water tower is situated on one of the highest points in Lancaster County because gravity generates pressure, so towers are constructed on higher ground than the area it serves. In this case, the placement of the Cheney reservoir is already at the area’s highest elevation and needed to be raised to a tower. “The reason for that is people like an adequate amount of pressure in ther faucets,” he said. “Pressure is based on depth. The deeper the water, the more pressure.” The goal for the new city water tower is to have 45 to 90 pounds of pressure for every house it serves, McElvain said. He added that too little pressure isn’t enough for people, but too much can cause unthinkable damage. “Twenty-five pounds of pressure is not acceptable for most people,” he said. “Over 200 pounds of water pressure would blow every pipe out.” McElvain said when there is a disruption of power in the current water system, the generator’s startup is slightly delayed, and some businesses’ water pressure goes down. He added that the water tower will take care of this problem by providing uniform pressure throughout the Cheney district, as well as adding storage to meet demands when there are fires. The tower will also not depend on continuous electricity to deliver water. While the city of Lincoln continues to serve its ever increasing population the best it can with water from the Ashland area, Lancaster County Rural Water District No. 1 is busy pumping water to people just outside of the corporate limits of Lincoln, as well as to Bennet, Panama, Martell, and soon Roca. It also serves areas east of Lincoln as far north as Holdrege Street and two miles into Otoe County. Ken Halvorsen, manager of Rural Water District No. 1, said he spoke with engineers from the city of Lincoln and told them that the district had no problem with the city putting up a tower of its own near Cheney. He added that Rural Water gets its water from the southeast corner of Lancaster County, not the Ashland area. “It’s no problem,” he said. “That particular area is one of the highest elevation points. It provides better pressure.” On the topic of new water towers, Halvorsen said Rural Water is plan- ning to build a new one near 156th Street and Yankee Hill Road later this year, probably in the fall. It will be 130 feet tall and have a 150,000-gallon capacity like the one near Cheney. Unlike Rural Water’s towers, the new city tower will have a capacity of two million gallons. That doesn’t bother Halvorsen, though, because Rural Water’s towers are enough for their patrons. “It is to increase water pressure for existing customers and serve new customers,” he said of the future Rural Water tower. As for Lincoln’s new tower, construction on its concrete column is about done and work on the threedimensional steel oval, which will hold the water, should be done by this summer. The tower is scheduled to be in use no later than August, about a year after CB&I Constructors out of Des Moines, Iowa, started building the tall water container. It will have a skyblue stripe on its white outside, but no words, McElvain said. He added that the tower should service southeast Lincoln for many years to come. “In 1982, the tank near 84th and Pine Lake Road was built,” he said. “It was three miles outside the city at the time. Houses have surrounded it since then. Twenty years in the future, there might be houses near 98th and Highway 2.” bigger. The village, based on its Planning Commission recommendations, has annexed the northeast corner of South 162nd and Cottonwood streets (Quail Field Subdivision) and is in the process of annexing the Heartland Community Bank property at 50 Monroe Street, on the east side of Nebraska Highway 43. Don Murray, chair of the Village Board of Trustees, said the third reading of the Quail Field Subdivision annexation and the first reading of the bank property annexation were both approved this past Monday at the Village Board meeting. The Quail Field Subdivision is divided between two property owners, Russell and Shannon Houlden and Penterman Farms. Before the annexation, their combined properties were just outside Bennet’s corporate limits, though they did receive some village services, such as water. They are working together to become part of Bennet; Russell Houlden requested the annexation at the November 12 Village Board meeting. Murray said the land is about seven acres in size and is going to be subdivided into three lots. “We have to annex the land before approving the plats,” he said. Murray said the annexation of Heartland Community Bank and its surrounding property has been a long time coming. He added that when the bank was first built in Bennet, in 1995, there was a verbal agreement that when the time came, the village would annex the bank. “The annexation is being done as part of cleaning up the boundaries of the town,” he said. “It’s been talked about for awhile.” The Village Board has voted 4 to 1 in favor of annexing the Quail Field Subdivision after each of its three readings, while the first reading of the bank annexation was approved 5-0 this past Monday. As far as Murray knows, there have been no complaints about either annexation at any of the public hearings the Village Board and the Planning Commission have held. Bradley Clark, president of Heartland Community Bank, said Bennet’s Planning Commission sent the bank a letter recently that it planned to recommend annexing the bank and its property to the Village Firth Rural Fire District and Panama powering ahead with much-needed fire station projects By Christina Case For months and months, the necessity of new fire buildings in both Panama and Firth has been looming over the Firth Rural Fire District board. There have been many meetings and many proposals, but no firm decisions and no broken ground. Now, with a time constraint in place, the village of Panama and the fire district are hard-pressed to put together a project that will fulfill the needs of both communities. On Tuesday, January 8, members continued on page 5 1990, it had 544 people; 10 years later, there were 570. Bennet now has an estimated population of nearly 700. Board. Clark has attended the Planning Commission meetings and was at the Village Board meeting this past Monday. He added that the bank has no problem with the annexation. “It’s really not going to affect us much,” he said of the annexation. “Our services and taxes aren’t going to change. We’ll do anything to help Bennet’s growth.” Clark said he did have some questions about utilities at first, since the bank has its own septic tank and it would have been more expensive to hook up to the village’s sewer system. Other than the sewer issue, Clark said, the bank is ready to be part of Bennet and help the community get bigger. “We want Bennet to grow,” he said. “It’s a sign of growth to annex property into a city. We’re not going to stand in the way.” Karate Rock! Norris second grader Drew Heffelfinger put on his game face and cranked up some rock music for his karate performance. Kids in first through fourth grade displayed a variety of talents at the annual Strut Your Stuff Day in music class. More photos inside on page 11. Photo by Annette Mitchell The VOICE NEWS is The Hometown Independently Owned Newspaper for Adams, Bennet, Cheney, Cortland, Denton, Douglas, Eagle, Filley, Firth, Hallam, Hickman, Holland, Martell, Palmyra, Panama, Pickrell, Princeton, Roca, Rokeby, Sprague, Sterling, and Walton. Page 2 - VOICE NEWS, Thursday, January 17, 2008 FOR Community Menus COMMUNITY CENTER MENUS Mon. Jan. 21, Firth: Holiday Tues. Jan. 22, Panama: Chicken Salad/Bun, Lentil/Spinach Soup, Peaches, Jell-O Cake/Topping Wed. Jan. 23, Hickman: Smothered Pork Chop, Parmesan Potatoes, Carrot/Raisin Salad, Dinner Roll, Pears Thurs. Jan. 24, Bennet: Swiss Steak, Scalloped Potatoes, Corn, Rye Bread, Mixed Fruit Fri. Jan. 25, Waverly: Beef Sausage Gravy/Biscuit, Beets, Mandarin Orange Slices, Bread Pudding/Vanilla Sauce PALMYRA, STERLING, DOUGLAS CENTERS MENU Mon. Jan. 21: Holiday Tues. Jan. 22: Sweet/Sour Ham/Rice, Pineapple Juice, Pasta Vegetable Salad, Cook’s Choice/Dessert Wed. Jan. 23: Baked Steak, Baked Potato, Carrots, Fruit Thurs. Jan. 24: Baked Chicken Breast, Potatoes, Beets, Brownies Fri. Jan. 25: Beef Stew, Tomato Juice, Jell-O Salad, Cookies DISTRICT OR-1 BREAKFAST MENU (Cereal, Juice Served Daily) Mon. Jan. 21: Pop Tart Tues. Jan. 22: Cinnamon Twist Wed. Jan. 23: French Toast, Sausage Thurs. Jan. 24: Yogurt Fri. Jan. 25: Sausage Gravy/Biscuit LUNCH MENU Mon. Jan. 21: Hot Dog/Bun, Green Beans, Fruit, Chips Tues. Jan. 21: Popcorn Chicken, Corn, Fruit, Butter Sandwich, Brownie Wed. Jan. 22: Cheese Stuffed Breadsticks, Peas or Carrots, Fruit, Pudding Thurs. Jan. 23: Chili, Vegetable Relishes, Fruit, Cinnamon Roll Fri. Jan. 24: Breaded Pork Chop, Potatoes, Green Beans, Fruit, Roll EAGLE ELEMENTARY LUNCH MENU Mon. Jan. 21: No School Tues. Jan. 22: Chicken Fries, Herb Rice, Vegetable, fruit, Sugar Cookie Wed. Jan. 23: Sloppy Joe, French Fries, Fruit Thurs. Jan. 24: Salisbury Steak, Mashed Potatoes/Gravy, Roll, Fruit Fri. Jan. 25: Cheese Pizza, Vegetable, Fruit FREEMAN SCHOOL LUNCH MENU Mon. Jan. 21: No School Tues. Jan. 22: Beef Stew, Biscuit, Fruit, Rice Krispie Bar Wed. Jan. 23: Runsa (Secondary), Hot Dog or Runsa (Elementary), Gravy, Vegetable, Fruit, Cookie Thurs. Jan. 24: Chili or Vegetable Beef Soup, Peanut Butter/Jelly Sandwich, Fruit, Cinnamon Roll Fri. Jan. 25: Barbecue Pork/Bun, Potato Triangle, Fruit, Brownie, Ice Cream VOICE January 17, 2008 News of Western Otoe, Northern Gage Western Johnson, Southwestern Cass & Lancaster Counties Address Service Requested PUBLICATION OF BRYANT NEWS, INC. CHANGE OF ADDRESS, SEND TO: P.O. BOX 148, 108 LOCUST STR. HICKMAN, NEBRASKA 68372-0148 PHONE 402-792-2255 USPS #442690 Periodicals Postage Paid at Hickman, NE 68372 Published Weekly on Thursdays at Hickman, NE 68372-0148 BILL BRYANT: Co-Publisher & Managing Editor LINDA BRYANT: Co-Publisher & Ad. Mgr. JAN KROESE: Office Mgr., Copy Editor KEVIN DeVALKENAERE: Production Mgr. SANDI SAPP, PATTY PLATT CHERYL KEETON: Advertising Rep. LOGAN SEACREST , CHRISTINA CASE: , MARK MAHONEYPhotographer/Reporter Photographer/Reporter/Proof Reader Circulation Department: DON BRYANT & GLENN WAGNER SUBSCRIPTION RATES: $28.00 Per Year In Nebraska $35.00 Per Year Elsewhere Single Copy 75¢ ©2007 V OICE NEWS CORRECTIONS It is the policy of the VOICE News to correct all errors of fact. To report an error, please send us e-mail at [email protected] or call (402) 792-2255. NORRIS SCHOOL BREAKFAST MENU Mon. Jan. 21: French Toast, Canadian Bacon Tues. Jan. 22: Scrambled Eggs, Toast Wed. Jan. 23: ES- Oatmeal, Muffin; HS-Breakfast Wrap Thurs. Jan. 24: Omelet, Toast Fri. Jan. 25: Pancakes, Sausage LUNCH MENU Mon. Jan. 21: ES/MS, Tator Tot Casserole, Green Beans, Roll; HS, Wagon Wheel Soup, Bread or Hot Ham/ Cheese Sandwich Tues. Jan. 22: Sloppy Joe/Bun, Corn; or HS, Macaroni/Cheese, Green Beans, Oatmeal Roll Wed. Jan. 23: ES/MS, Cheese Pizza; HS, Cheese or Pepperoni Pizza, Chicken Stir Fry Thurs. Jan. 24: Chicken Patty/Bun, Broccoli/Cheese Sauce; or HS, Italian Casserole, Bread Stick Fri. Jan. 25: Chicken Noodle Soup, Roll, String Cheese; or HS, Mini Corn Dogs, Cheesy Potatoes, Vegetable STERLING SCHOOL BREAKFAST MENU (Cereal, Juice Served Daily) Mon. Jan. 21: Scrambled Eggs, Toast Tues. Jan. 22: Mozzie Cheese Toast, Fruit Wed. Jan. 23: Toast, Fruit Thurs. Jan. 24: Breakfast Pizza, Fruit Fri. Jan. 25: French Toast Sticks, Sausage LUNCH MENU Mon. Jan. 21: Ham Patty, Green Beans, Tator Gems, Pineapple Tidbits Tues. Jan. 22: Tacos, Corn, celery/ Peanut Butter, Applesauce Wed. Jan. 23: Chili Soup, Lettuce Salad, Cinnamon Roll, Pears Thurs. Jan. 24: Potato Bake, Ham or Tuna Salad Sandwich, String Cheese, Mixed Fruit Fri. Jan. 25: Chicken Patty, Peas, Mashed Potatoes/Gravy, Peaches Births TWINS Aaron and Jessa Johnson, of Castle Rock, Colorado, announce the birth of twin sons, born January 10, 2008. Beckett Samuel weighed 4 lbs., 6 ozs., and Camden Aaron weighed 6 lbs., 5 ozs. Grandparents are Clint and Jan Johnson, of Hickman, and Jeff and Lois Waugh, of Fairbury. Great-grandmother is Marie Stubbendeck, of Unadilla. A GIRL THE RECORD Celebrating 90th Birthday Estella Wunibald, of Hickman, will celebrate her 90th birthday January 26 with a family dinner. Helping celebrate are her children, Ron and Joyce Wunibald and Jane and Jack Jenkins; grandchildren, Ryan and Andrea Wunibald, Erin and Chad Piening, Katie and Sarah Jenkins; and great-grandchildren, Kaden and Bethany Wunibald, Collin, Alayna, Gavin, and Allison Piening. Cards can reach Estella at 100 Fencerock CT, Apt. 20, Hickman, NE 68372. Photo submitted Adams Sportsmen to hold community auction The Adams Sportsmen’s Club will sponsor its fifth annual community auction. They are seeking donated items for this fundraiser; new or nearly new used items will be auctioned on April 6. The auction will start at noon at Seventh and Main streets in Adams. Auction proceeds will go into the Community Building Fund. Deadline for the sale bill is March 12. The Lutheran Church youth group will be offering lunch also as a fundraiser. Hopefully, we will have just what you need or always wanted (that great value item), and you will be there to help support this project. If you are interested in donating an item, call Mike and Gloria Pethoud at 988-2290 or you can drop off your item at the Super Foods Grocery in Adams. Benefits planned for area families Mark and Wendy (Schwaninger) Doty, of Denver, Colorado, announce the birth of a daughter, Danica Sue, born A benefit is being planned for Julie January 9, 2008. She weighed 7 lbs., 11 ozs. Her grandmother is Erma Burcham, of Hickman, to help with medical expenses while she undergoes Schwaninger, of Firth. treatments for breast cancer. The benefit will be held Saturday, January 19, Tisn’t life that matters! ’Tis the cour- from 5 p.m. to 12 a.m. at the Isles Reception Hall in Lincoln. age you bring to it. A benefit for the Dan and Tiffany -Sir Hugh Walpole Maahs family, who lost everything in a Palmyra home fire January 3, is scheduled for Saturday, February 2, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Palmyra Senior at Gage County Center. Please mark your calendars and Sheriff’s Office plan to attended these worthwhile benefits. OPEN HOUSE Jan. 22 & Jan. 27 To help the general public see the physical need for a new facility, an open house has been scheduled for the Gage County Sheriff’s Office and Detention Center on Tuesday, January 22, from 6 to 8 p.m., and on Sunday, January 27, from 3 to 5 p.m. The public is encouraged to stop by and tour the facility. Sheriff’s office personnel, along with various members of the steering committee, will be on hand to help answer any questions. Refreshments provided. Denton Community Historical Society The Denton Community Historical Society regular meeting will be Tuesday, January 22, at 2 p.m. at the Denton Community Building. Linda Bryant, Co-Publisher of the VOICE News in Hickman, will be the guest speaker and talk about the community newspaper’s role in archiving the history of the area. Corrections In the January 10 feature on Floyd VanEngen and Lake Crest Pharmacy, it was stated that he has three kids and two grandkids. He actually has two kids and five grandkids. In the January 10 issue of Voices From the Past, it should have read: births: Clyde and Cindy (Schell) Draeger, of Dunbar, a boy, Matthew Alan, not Marshall Alan. We apologize for the errors. Obituaries HARVEY F. BRUNS Bruns, Harvey F., 79, Cook, died Sunday, January 6, 2008, Syracuse. Born, December 16, 1928, Pickrell, to Eilert and Minna (Wolken) Bruns. Married, Luetta Kruse, May 24, 1964, St. Paul’s United Church of Christ (Osage), rural Cook. Farmer. Member, Grace Lutheran Church, Cook. Served on Church Council, Sunday School Superintendent, Johnson County Health Board, Johnson County Tax Payers Association, U.S. Army veteran. Survivors: wife, Luetta, Cook; daughters, son-in-law, Jody Bruns, Cook, Lana Bruns, Omaha, Dawn and Rusty Sugden, Seward; two granddaughters; sisters, brother-in-law, Etta Dieken, Unadilla, Bernice and Donald Hale, Adams; sisters-in-law, Dorothy Bruns, Burchard, Sue Bruns, Beatrice; nieces; nephews. Preceded in death by parents; brothers, Arnold, John. Services were held Wednesday, January 9, 2008, Grace Lutheran Church, Cook. The Rev. Steve Billington. Grace Lutheran Church Cemetery. Memorials to church of family’s choice. Condolences to www.fusselmanwymore.com STELLA MAYE EHLERS Ehlers, Stella Maye, 92, Roca, died Tuesday, January 8, 2008, Lincoln. Born, August 11, 1915, Republic County, Kansas, to John and Julia (Hirons) Coulter. Retired registered nurse. Member, County Bible Church, Gideon Auxiliary; served on Lancaster County Extension Board. Active in many community and church organizations. Survivors: husband, Glenn; sons, daughters-in-law, Don and Sandra Ehlers, Roca, Dr. Gordon and Michele Ehlers, Denver, Colorado, Cliff and LaJuana Ehlers, Lakewood, Colorado; daughter, significant other, Sheryl Rahal, Jean Faget, Toulouse, France; nine grandchildren; three great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by parents; three brother; two sisters. Funeral services were held Friday, January 11, 2008, Country Bible Church, rural Bennet. The Rev. Jason Thacker. Bennet Cemetery. Memorials to the church or Gideon’s International. Condolences to www.roperandsons.com CLARENCE R. HORNBY MYRTLE E. GRUNTORAD Gruntorad, Myrtle E., 101, of Lincoln, died January 10, 2008. Born, January 8, 1907, rural Princeton, the youngest of John and Hattie Onnink’s five children. Grew up in rural Princeton. Attended Lincoln Business School, worked for Lincoln Pure Butter, before marrying Edwin H. Gruntorad, May 1, 1928. They raised three children on their farm north of Emerald and retired to Lincoln in 1959 Survivors: daughters, son-in-law, Geri and Donald Perry, of Malcolm; Shirley Dillman, of Round Rock, Texas; son, daughter-in-law, Dale and Sandy Gruntorad of Lincoln; 11 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren; nine greatgreat- grandchildren. Preceded in death by parents, husband, brother, Elmer; sisters, Jennie Kallemeyn, Lydia Onnink, Josephine Lesoing. Funeral services were held Tuesday, January 15, 2008, Lincoln. The Rev. Michael Benischek. Entombment, Lincoln Memorial Park. Memorials to the family for future designation. Condolences to www.lincolnfh.com MYRON P. SCHRODER Schroder, Myron P. “Butch,” 80, Syracuse, formerly of Lincoln, Palmyra, Bennet, died Wednesday, January 9, 2008, Syracuse. Born, May 10, 1927 to William and Dorothy (Wyatt) Schroder. Married, May 26, 1949, to Marilyn Maseman at Avoca. U.S. Navy 1950-1954. A 48 year member, NashJensen Post 195 American Legion, Palmyra; District 12 Commander; member of the Bennet Rural Fire Board; Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church, Palmyra. Owned Schroder Trucking, farmed, at one time did millwork; worked for Lancaster County, Substituted School Bus Driver, District OR1, Palmyra/Bennet. An avid Coke Collector. Survivors: daughters, sons-in-law, Jodi and Mike Fayman, Lincoln, Glenna and Tim Zobel, North Platte; son, daughter-in-law, Eldon and Corinne Schroder, Bennet; 11 grandchildren; brothers, sisters-in-law, Edward and Alma Schroder, Joy and Verle Schroder, all of Palmyra; sister, brotherin-law, Verda and Bill Umland, Palmyra; brother-in-law, John and Verna Maseman, Lincoln; Stuart Maseman, Lincoln; sister-in-law, Charlene Reid, Syracuse; numerous nieces; nephews. Preceded in death by wife, Marilyn; parents, William and Dorothy Schroder. Memorial services were held Saturday, January 12, 2008, Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church, Palmyra. The Rev. Brenda Pfeifly. Condolences to www.fusselmanwymore.com Hornby, Clarence Robert, formerly of Lincoln, died Wednesday, January 9, 2008, in Adams. Born, August 24, 1907, Walton, to John and Martha (Handrock) Hornby, Jr. Retired Farmer. WWII Army Veteran. Member, Trinity Lutheran Church, Walton; American Legion Post of Bennet. Survivors: daughter, Eula Marie Schidler, Lincoln; brother: George O. Hornby, Syracuse; son-in-law: Glen Wilson, Lincoln; several grandchildren; many great and great-great grandchildren. Preceded in death by wife, Dora; parents; daughter: Mary Edna; three brothers; granddaughter. Funeral services were held Saturday, January 12, 2008, Trinity Lutheran HARRIETT WAY Church, Walton. Pastor Robert Way, Harriett, 92, Firth, widow of Wentzel. Bennet Cemetery. Memorials to the family for future designation. Con- Lester, died Sunday, January 13, 2008. dolences to www.roperandsons.com Born, August 7, 1915, Lincoln, to George and Maudeline (Dutter) Quackenbush. Retired Nebraska DeMERLE L. MEYER Meyer, Merle L., 86, Western, died partment of Roads. Survivors: daughter, Denise Sunday, January 13, 2008, in Fairbury. Lagueux, Lincoln; two grandchildren; Born at Daykin to Louis and Mollie two great-grandchildren. (Endorf) Meyer. Private family services. Memorials Survivors: wife, Joann, Western; sons, Gary Meyer, Randy Meyer, both in care of the family. of Western; daughter, Sharlene Lutz, LEONA P. WALTKE Fairhope, Alabama; stepsons, Doran Waltke, Leona P., 86, Tulsa, OklaZiemann, Bruce Ziemann, Brian Ziemann, all of Hickman; stepdaughters, homa, formerly of Pickrell, widow of Diane Carter, Lynette Brown, both of Jurgen (Jerry) died Saturday, January Hickman, Ila Rae Hergott, Roca; 29 12, 2008, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; Born, rural Pickrell. Survivors: daughters, Karen Ehmen, sister, Ruth Brown, Nova, Michigan; brothers, Wayne Meyer, Omaha, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, Sandra George Meyer, ceres, California, Roger Fleischer, Tulsa, Oklahoma, Barbara Meyer, Lincoln; Charles Meyer, Florida. Weston, Omaha; eight grandchildren; Preceded in death by first wife, Lucille. eight great-grandchildren; nieces; nephServices: 10:30 a.m., Thursday (to- ews. Funeral services, 10:30 a.m. Friday, day), January 16, 2008, United Church of Christ, Western. Plainview Cemetery, January 18, 2008, Holy Cross Western. Memorials to the family’s Lutheran Church, Beatrice. Zion Lutheran Cemetery, rural Pickrell. choice. VOICE NEWS, Thursday, January 17, 2008 - Page 3 Cook of the Week by Jill Hoefler Rural Roca resident enjoys new home in the country As the family schedule keeper, Donna Jameson, of rural Roca, is a busy lady with a lot of activities to keep straight. She seems to handle it all just fine and is thoroughly enjoying this eventful stage in her life. Donna and Dan Jameson met during college. Donna remembers, “We met at the Evangelical Free Church in Kearney. That’s where we were both attending college. The church had those notepads that you sign your name, address, etc., and pass it down the row. Dan made a point of sitting in the same pew that I was in because he wanted to meet me. My last name was too long to pronounce or remember (Kuhlenengel), so he memorized my address and phone number. Advice: Be careful where you write your name and number!” The Jamesons have grown since those early days together. The family now numbers seven. Their son, Christopher, is a sophomore at UNL and commutes from home, while their daughter, Michaela, is a senior at Lincoln Christian. Their youngest three Evan, a freshman; Andrea, a sixth grader; and Thomas, a second grader - all attend Norris. Dan is an electrical engineer at Teledyne Isco. Donna keeps busy with her favorite job of being a mom. She also does bookkeeping for a couple of businesses. Donna appreciates the flexible hours of the bookkeeping jobs. “It allows me to be available for my family,” she said. Childhood memories are plentiful for Donna. She fondly remembers growing up on a farm southeast of Syracuse. When asked to name a favorite memory, she replied, “Wow! That could be anything from the matching red velvet dresses that Mom made my sisters and me for Christmas and matching dresses again for Easter. Or the dozens of cookies we would make each Christmas. Harvest time was always exciting. Then, of course, the garden produce, the canning and freezing. We would always get help from my dad and brother with the corn. Beans and peas were fun. That was the only time we could watch daytime TV - while we snapped beans or podded peas. It seems to be the ‘family’ times that I remember most. “We would get together with my grandmother and aunt and make 40 or 50 apple pies. We would each have our job. My grandpa would sit outside under the shade tree with his apple peeler. He also had an old cider press and he would make us fresh apple cider.” Thinking back to her childhood, Donna confided, “As a girl, it never occurred to me to be anything other than a wife and mother when I grew up.” She has certainly accomplished that and is loving every minute of it. The Jamesons moved to rural Roca in the fall of 2006. “We had lived in Lincoln since 1983. With five kids, we needed more space, inside and out. We found this house, which suited our needs. Our friends tell us it is perfect for us and it is! We all really like it here!” When asked something most people wouldn’t know about her, Donna said, “Since I am new to the area, that could be a number of things. But I suppose something that doesn’t come up in day-to-day conversation is that in college (a long time ago), I was selected to the NAIA Women’s Track and Field All-American Team.” If she has any spare time in-between all her kids’ activities and involvement in church, you might find Donna sewing or scrapbooking. She also enjoys going for walks/jogs to stay in shape. “We have had fun as a family snow-skiing, water skiing and hiking.” If she had the opportunity to travel anywhere in the world, Donna said, “I enjoy seeing new places, but I guess I don’t have a place in mind that I’ve just got to see. Our favorite place we’ve been as a family is the Bahamas. We didn’t know if we would be able to take many more family vacations with all of the children, so we decided to go for it.” Donna wishes there could be more joy and happiness in the world and that we would all slow down and enjoy what we have. “Oh, and that chocolate didn’t have calories!” she added. Her closest friends would describe her as very nice, easy-going and organized - she knows because she asked them! Donna is passionate about “being a good mother first, but I also want to set a positive example and to be a Godly woman, not just for my children, but for everyone I am around.” Chocolate, cinnamon rolls and ice cream all rank high on Donna’s favorite food list. The Jamesons’ favorite food holiday is “probably Thanksgiving. We look forward to the tradition of the turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, etc. And I think we need to spend more time truly being thankful for all that we have.” Donna recalled this memorable story involving food, “This is embarrassing, but I actually blacked out while cutting up a chicken. I can do it now, but I prefer to buy them pre-cut. My first experience in preparing ‘real’ turkey dressing wasn’t pleasant either. My mother’s recipe called for things like livers, gizzards and other unpleasant things. Picking the meat off of the turkey neck wasn’t my idea of a good time, either. I have come to really like Stove Top Stuffing!” As for cooking tips, Donna had this to share: “Don’t be afraid to try new recipes.” She offers some great ones in this column. Donna Jameson seems to have fit right into the community since moving here. She enjoys each day with her family and friends, and keeping the schedule straight for her active family. And she is making plenty of new friends along the way. Seafood Fettuccine From Donna Jameson 24-oz. fettuccine 2 garlic cloves, minced 1/3 cup butter 1/3 cup flour 2 cups milk 2 cans evaporated milk 2 cups cooked or imitation crabmeat 2 (6-1/2 oz.) cans clams, drained 8-10 oz. tiny shrimp 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese 2 T. parsley 1/2 tsp. pepper Cook fettuccine according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, saute garlic in butter. Stir in flour until blended. Gradually add milk and evaporated milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or thickened. Add the crab, clams, shrimp, Parmesan cheese, parsley and pepper; heat through. Drain fettuccine; top with seafood mixture. Bubble Loaf From Donna Jameson 1-1/2 T. margarine 3 T. water 1 egg 3/4 cup milk 3/4 tsp. salt 1/4 cup sugar 3 1/3 cups bread flour 2 tsp. rapid rise yeast Prepare dough in bread machine. Grease bundt pan. Put 1/2 cup of nuts in bottom (optional). Divide dough in 24 pieces. Roll into balls and place in pan. Sprinkle on top: 1 cup brown sugar 1 (4-oz.) box vanilla pudding —NOT INSTANT 1 tsp. cinnamon 1/2 cup melted margarine Let rise 20 minutes. Bake at 350 for 25 minutes. Turn out onto plate. Donna Jameson, of rural Roca, enjoys having all her kids around the home acreage in the afternoons after school. Front row: Thomas, Andrea, Michaela and Evan. Back row: Donna and Christopher. Not pictured: husband and father, Dan. Photo by Jill Hoefler Norris Middle and High School student directories project of Norris C.A.R.E.S. By Linda Bryant The Norris C.A.R.E.S. group has been busy at work this fall with a variety of projects, making banners, arranging for speakers, and getting parents to pledge to monitor their children’s gatherings at their home. Members of the group encouraged parents to sign a safe homes pledge to actively supervise all gatherings of youth in their home or on their property, or ask another responsible adult for help to do so; not allow the possession or use of alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, other drugs, or violence by youth in their home or on thei property; and set expectations for their children by knowing where they are, whom they are with, what they are doing, and when they are to return home. in a new Norris Those who signed the pledge are noted by an icon middle school and high school student directory. The directory lists the student’s name, the parents’ names, addresses and phone numbers. The Norris C.A.R.E.S. group felt the directory would be a valuable resource for all parents who sometimes need to get in touch with their children’s friends or parents, but might not know the parents’ names or where they live. Cream Cheese Danish For only $3.00, (which covers the cost of printing the brochures with the assistance of your hometown newspaper) you can have your own From Donna Jameson directory. Copies are available at the Norris elementary, middle and high 16-oz. cream cheese school office, as well as various sporting events and the VOICE News in 1 egg Hickman. 1 cup sugar Norris C.A.R.E.S. stands for community awareness resulting in educa1 tsp. almond flavoring tion and strategies. And why has Norris C.A.R.E.S become an active 2 cans Pillsbury Crescent Rolls Press 1 can of rolls in 9x13 pan, force in the community? pinching seams. Mix cream cheese, sugar, egg and almond flavoring until Did you know.... 48.9% of sophomores & 61.4% of seniors at Norris have tried alcohol? smooth. Spread on top of rolls. Place 14.4% of sophomores & 23.6% of seniors at Norris have engaged in second can of rolls on top. Sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar binge drinking behavior? 27.6% of sophomores & 34.5% of seniors at Norris have ridden in a car mixture of: 1/2 cup sugar and 1 tsp. cinnamon. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes. with a drinking driver? 8.8% of sophomores & 19.3% of seniors at Norris have tried marijuana? 37.2% of sophomores & 47.2% of seniors at Norris say their parents have Crunchy Green attitudes that favor alcohol and drug use? Salad Dressing From Donna Jameson Dressing: 4 T. sugar 1/2 cup salad oil 1 tsp. salt 2 T. vinegar 1 tsp. MSG (optional) 1 tsp. pepper Combine and shake well. Topping: 5 slices fried bacon and crumbled 1/2 cup chow mien noodles 3 oz. sliced almonds 4 T. sesame seeds Toast topping ingredients for 15 minutes in 350-degree oven. Salad: 1 head romaine or spinach 1/2 head iceburg lettuce 1/2 cup grated carrots 4 green onions, sliced Add all parts together right before serving. Chocolate Chip Cookies From Donna Jameson These are our favorite! 1 cup shortening 1 cup brown sugar 1 cup sugar 2 eggs 1 tsp. vanilla 1/2 tsp. salt 1 tsp. baking powder 1 tsp. baking soda 2 cups flour 2-1/2 cups oatmeal (ground like flour in the blender) 6-12 oz. chocolate chips Cream shortening and sugars. Beat in eggs. Add vanilla, salt, baking powder, baking soda, flour and ground oatmeal; mix well. Stir in chocolate chips. Bake at 375 for 6-8 minutes. Help Knock Out the Competition Attend the Democratic Caucus in your area Sat. February 9 Registration 5:30 - Caucus starts at 6 p.m. • Bennet Comm. Church • Panama Cafe • Hallam Comm. Center • Sadie’s Place - Hickman • Haven Manor - Hickman • Denton Comm. Center • Sprague Comm. Church visit www.nebcaucus.com for more information Paid for by Lancaster County Nebraska Democratic Party Extreme Winter Sale Check out great savings throughout the store! ~ NEW ~ Upper Case Living self adhesive decorative expressions that enrich and inspire your home environment. Extreme Images Home Decor and Much More! 331 5th St. • Syracuse • 269~2086 Tues. - Fri. 10 -5 • Sat. 9-4 www.extremeimages1.com Page 4 - VOICE NEWS, Thursday, January 17, 2008 Lancaster County Letters to Sheriff’s Report the Editor By Mark Mahoney Lincoln woman in fair condition 17 days after accident killed baby daughter Jennifer Kahm, 23, of Lincoln, was in fair condition at BryanLGH Medical Center West January 15, 17 days after she was involved in a crash at 56th Street and Yankee Hill Road that killed her infant daughter, Kinsey Shore-Kahm. Martell man victim of identity theft A 71-year-old Martell man reported to the Lancaster County Sheriff’s department January 10 that his identity had been stolen sometime on January 8 or 9. According to sheriff’s reports, the man received an electronic notice from Washington Mutual Visa that his account was over its $4,000 limit. He reviewed his account and found four cash advances for $7,500. The advances took place in the California cities of Montebello and Los Angeles. The man contacted Washington Mutual and was told that a card had been issued to a secondary cardholder in Los Angeles, according to sheriff’s reports. Washington Mutual told the man that authorization for the card had come from his cell phone number, but the man denied this. The card has since been cancelled. Total charges to the card were $7,500 and the man was given an ID theft packet. The case is under investigation. Editor: We sincerely wish to thank you for all that you did in support of the fundraiser for Sherri Weiss, your compassion shared for all involved in this undertaking and noting the liver transplant. Sherri came home for the second time, but must have 24-hour supervision. She has experienced three serious setbacks, the first being a hole in the liver when she had to be airlifted to Omaha, during which time they nearly lost her during surgery. She received 32 units of blood, having two nurses pumping the blood by hand into her to keep her alive. She came home only to be rushed to Omaha a second time. They found a pocket of infection on her liver. She was able to come home again, and when she went to the doctor, her blood pressure was very, very low. Once again, they found another pocket of infection, which they are still draining, but she can remain at home with constant care. Everyone has been so kind and sharing. All prayers have helped a great amount. There are prayer chains throughout the communities, and we are grateful for all. We know that prayer changes things. A sincere thank you and may God keep you in his love. Prayerfully, Sherri, Steve, Dwight and Alyce Weiss and our families Sterling Gage County Sheriff’s Report By Christina Case Anyone with information on this burglary should contact Crime Stoppers at (402) 228-4343 or the Gage County Some time between 2:30 p.m. on Sheriff at (402) 223-5222. January 12 and the same time the Burning vehicle near Cortland next day, an unknown person en- identified as stolen vehicle tered an unfinished home west of The investigation of an arson Adams and took several tools and incident on Highway 77 south of electronics. The owner of the Cortland is under way after Gage house, Rick Lee, of rural Adams, re- County Sheriff ’s deputies were ported the burglary to the Gage alerted to a 2004 Mitsubishi Gallant County Sheriff on January 13. on fire on January 7. Around 10:30 The suspect apparently entered p.m., deputies arrived on the scene the nearly-completed house and a just east of the intersection of Highhorse trailer and camper nearby, and ways 41 and 77 to find Cortland and made off with numerous tools, TV’s Clatonia Volunteer Fire and Rescue and miscellaneous electronics. putting out the fire. No one was Some of the tools belonged to the found near the burning vehicle, and contractor who was building the further investigation revealed that house. Lee estimated the total loss the vehicle was reported stolen out at about $10,000. of Kansas City. Burglary in rural Adams nets $10,000 loss Openings for Childr en Ag es 3 - 5 Children Ages at Pella Christian Pre-School •Country Setting •Christian Curriculum •Certified Teachers on Staff Call Director Jackie Harms 792-2936 or 788-2729 for info or e-mail [email protected] Preschool Open House 2:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Thurs., Jan. 24 Come tour the NEW addition to Bennet Elementary - Little Panthers Preschool! All district patrons are invited to check out the new preschool for 3 & 4 year olds. Enjoy coffee & cookies while staff answers any questions. Classes start Jan. 28. Little Panthers Preschool 50 Dogwood • Bennet 782-3535 Jensen family fosters a genuinely loving home life for kids who need one which is a very big deal,” the girls ter child’s school was just too far for By Christina Case Jeff and Carmen Jensen and their agreed. With issues of fashion, it’s al- them to drive each day, so she went family have a lot to live up to. Their ways good to have a compatriot, and to Bennet Elementary. “I was really home in Bennet is licensed as a safe Jade is quite glad to have hers. impressed with Bennet. They went haven for foster kids from troubled Carmen describes both her daughter out of their way to get her in as soon homes, so they could be described as and her oldest foster child as fashion- as possible, and were very good saviors. They probably wouldn’t say able and color-coordinated. And of about dealing with her issues,” said that, but just like foster families all over course, she has to limit their phone Carmen. the country, the Jensens take on the daily joys and stresses of kids who enter their home as strangers, but could be taken away with little notice. The Jensens started their foster care experience several years ago. Jeff’s parents had gotten involved in foster care after he was out of the house, and that planted the seed of an idea in Jeff and his wife. They started out as foster parents for the state of Nebraska for two years, and then joined CEDARS Youth Services of Lincoln, an agency that helps abused, neglected and homeless children in many capacities, including foster care. Kids from troubled homes tend to have the same joys and stresses, and the Jensens’ have found themselves in the midst of these, some of them more serious than others. “Working with an agency, we get Jeff, Carmen and Jade Jensen, of Bennet, palled around with their a lot more support,” said Carmen. three foster kids, the color-er, the artist, and the fashionista. “The state’s foster kids usually had (Foster kids’ names and faces cannot be published for privacy lower needs and not as many reasons). Not pictured: Chad Jensen. Photo by Case medical or behavioral problems, The Jensens are pretty fortunate but now that we’re with the agency time. The 10-year-old is a comedian and this time around. Their three current we have more resources to help us.” budding artist. He spends his free time foster kids make 18 total, and there Right now, Jeff, Carmen, and their making art out of Lego’s and sketch- have been far more difficult situations. kids, Chad and Jade, are hosting three ing. He bunks in a room with his little “Foster families can give two weeks siblings, ages 13, 10 and seven. A se- sister, a self-described chore addict, notice to the agency if their foster kids nior at Palmyra, Chad hasn’t been whose personal favorite is vacuum- are just not working with the family,” home much during the eight months ing. “She’s my little helper,” said said Carmen. “That has happened they have lived with the family, but Carmen. “She likes to do the laundry, twice for us.” Even when the situation does work Jade, a freshman, has grown close to wash the dishes and especially the three, especially the oldest girl. vacuum.” “Yeah, she’s always begging out well and friendships are made, it’s (Names and photos of the foster chil- for more chores,” her brother added. bittersweet. Most of the time, foster Every time but once, the Jensens’ kids will have to leave after awhile. dren cannot be published for privacy foster kids have remained at their own Carmen knows that’s just a necessary reasons.) “We help each other with our hair, schools. For that one situation, a fos- part of being a foster parent, and her family has done it several times, but it can still be very hard. Especially for Jade. “She’s a very compassionate girl Neglect is the most frequently recorded cause for removal of children from who likes to help kids with probtheir parent(s’) or guardian(s’) home. Neglect has several forms, ranging lems,” her mom said. “Every time you from outright abandonment to inadequate parenting skills which affect get new kids, it changes the whole child well-being. Parental drug abuse is the second most prevalent cause dynamic of the family. Even though the of placement, followed by substandard or unsafe housing. kids know it’s temporary, they create According to DHHS, a total of 5,691 approved and licensed homes were sibling-type bonds, so it’s really hard available in Nebraska in 2006. While this is an increase of 1,523 approved and to separate them when the time is up.” licensed homes from 2005, the number of children in need of foster homes has The longest any foster children continued to rise for a number of years, creating a greater need for foster have stayed at the Jensen home was placements. Foster care providers are needed, particularly by children who are 15 months, so there is no telling how teenagers, who have special needs (i.e. lower functioning and/or significant much time they have left with the kids. acting out behavior) and sibling groups of three or more. Foster homes provide For now, however, the Jensen family the least restrictive, most family like out-of-home placements for children who is doing what they can to provide a cannot remain at home. safe and loving environment for the If you are interested in making a difference in a child’s life by becoming three while they work through any isa foster parent, please call 1-800-7PARENT for information sues they have. Reprinted from Kids Count In Nebraska 2007 Report “Foster kids often haven’t had good role models at home to teach them how to deal with stressors, so they often bring those issues with them when they come,” said Carmen. “The most rewarding part is seeing them finally overcome those issues they’ve The Omaha Home for Boys offers married couples an been struggling with, and knowing that opportunity to grow professionally and teach life skills. you’re actually helping them, not just getting in the way.” • Nationally recognized training • Beautiful, modern campus Providing a normal, functional ev• $43,200 starting salary • Excellent benefits eryday way of life is one way the Jensens work in their foster kids’ The Omaha Home For Boys lives. They spend their free time go4343 N. 52nd St., Omaha, NE 68104 • www.omahahomeforboys.org An Equal ing to the movies, shopping, or going Opportunity Call 1-800-408-4663, Monday-Friday Employer out to eat, and they have even planned a trip to Worlds of Fun in Kansas City later this year. The Jensens don’t commit to keep in touch with foster kids when they move on, so they always try to do something extra special for their last night together. “You never know how long you’ll have them. It all depends on what’s happening in their other lives,” Carmen said. Only other foster parents can truly understand the wide array of feelings that pass through the Jensen family on a regular basis, and Carmen feels a special draw toward them. Just as foster parents have to overcome the shifting of their family dynamic, the many ups and downs, and the final separation, they also have to put some faith in the system when their foster children leave. What does all this have to do with me? House Parents help, teach and grow VOICE NEWS, Thursday, January 17, 2008 - Page 5 Sterling all smiles at 79th MUDECAS tourney Like Sunday media reports in the wake of the Nebraska basketball Big 12 Conference opener with Kansas last Saturday, Old Fox was encouraged by the Husker effort and improvement from their 2007 meetings. Of course, I would have preferred a victory over the Jayhawks, the winners by a count of 79-58, but I arrived at the Bob Devaney Sports Center expecting Nebraska to be facing the toughest Big 12 opener of any school in the conference. KU was near the top of the rankings—and played like the No. 1 team, which the Jayhawks may be soon if they continue unbeaten— and I did not expect the game to resemble the 1958 meeting in Lincoln. In that one, the score was tied 4141 when Jimmy Kubacki fired a jumper from the key over Wilt Chamberlain with a couple of seconds left. The ball swished through as the gun sounded and the Old Coliseum almost rocked off its foundation. Kubacki did not even suit up until the middle of the second half and didn’t enter the game—on his bad knee—until the dying moments. One thing I knew would not happen between the 2008 Huskers and Jayhawks was there was no way the scoreboard would register 41-41 with a second left on the clock. In 1958, there was no such thing as a “shot clock.” Coach Jerry Bush had the Huskers play keep-away from KU—winners 102-46 in Lawrence a week or so before—and eat up time throughout the game (Nebraska won 43-41). Most interesting to Husker fans after the game—and all day Sunday, wherever I went—was not the score, nor the future prospects for the rest of the season. The talk of the town was: “How can a player be stretched on the court, face down and not moving, while the other players race to the other end of the court and continue the action, with fans, coaches and bench players yelling and pointing to an injured player? Why didn’t the officials stop the game?” Grandma was yelling to me with the same questions during the incident— and the next day—and all I could tell her and others was, “I guess the refs were too busy looking for foul calls to notice there were only nine players in the action.” I noted KU Coach Bill Self kept yelling and pointing to where Husker Aleks Maric lay immobile as help rushed toward him—and so was everyone else in the Sports Center. Maric was finally brought to his feet and escorted off the court to staunch a bloody gash over his eye. A tough Ausie, the 6-11 Husker center returned to action a short time later and wound up with 19 points. Maybe basketball needs to add a special siren to the scorer’s table to notify officials to stop the action when only nine players are engaged in a manto-man battle as a result of an injured participant in the game. That might quiet Grandma the next time. Hot Stove Time has arrived. The Lincoln Saltdogs Booster Club swings into action on Saturday, January 26, with a “Holiday Party” at Faith Bible Church...Also heating up during these cold days are the NEBRASKA YANKEES, skippered by Floyd Colon. The group of local Yankee fans is celebrating the election of “Goose” Gossage into the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Floyd also notes that the Yankees will play only one series in Kansas City this season, and that will happen during the Royals’ opening week. A final note: This will be the last season with American League action in Yankee Stadium. I’ve enjoyed games there, and made visits to the Yankee clubhouse and dugout on occasion. But my fondest memory of the “House that Ruth Built” will be the 1962 Gotham Bowl football game when Nebraska beat Miami 36-34 to cap Bob Devaney’s first season—and launched one of most amazing runs of college gridiron success in history. Just moved from Colorado! Horse training specializing in reining, working cows, fixing problems & giving lessons. Now taking new clients. Horses also for sale. CALL TODAY! Mike Miller • Firth • 326-4677 LANCASTER EVENT CENTER 4100 North 84th St. • Lincoln, NE 68507 Phone: 402-441-6545 • Fax: 402-441-6046 • www.lancastereventcenter.com Make plans now to attend these exciting upcoming events: January 18-19 Premier Boating Open House 18-19 Jakes Auction 24-27 Boat, Sport and Travel Show February 2 Domesti-Pups Expo 7-10 Home and Garden Show - www.hbal.org 15-17 ABATE Bike Show 22 Pheasants Forever Banquet 23-24 Antique Flea Market 25 Bridal Fair The Sterling Jets won the MUDECAS B Division boys basketball championship Saturday in Beatrice. They were cheered to victory by the Sterling fans and the SHS cheerleaders with the lucky beads. From left: Morgan Shea, Kelci Lowmack, Madeline Daehling, Kala Weber and McKenzie McAuliffe. Photo by Bill F. Bryant continued from page 1 Expanded fire stations needed in Firth and Panama of the Village of Panama board and the fire district board met in the cramped meeting corner of the Panama Fire Barn to hash out the main issues of the project and get the ball rolling. Dave Allen, chair of the fire district board, opened the meeting by sharing his vision of new fire stations, both in Firth and in Panama. “The needs are obvious in both places,” he said. “Over here, the old floor is already being destroyed by use. In Firth, the fire station is getting a new pumper in August 2009, and it won’t fit in the building we have right now. So we need to at least have a new building up and running in Firth by then.” Since pulling a woman out of her destroyed house after the tornado roared through the area in May 2004, Dave Allen has known the desperate need for a safe and efficient fire station. That night, he had to put the woman up at a local resident’s home because the Panama Fire Barn had no electricity. “That was the catalyst for this project in my mind,” Allen said. “Why can’t we have a safe building to take people to, that we can use as a command center, with a generator for power, cooling, restrooms, and room to keep people for awhile in case of emergency?” Right now, neither Firth’s nor Panama’s emergency sirens are run by a backup generator, and when the power goes out, so do the lights and automatic bay doors. Furthermore, newer emergency vehicles are larger in size and both stations are already a tight fit for their current vehicles. While members of both boards are willing to work together on the projects, Panama and Firth are in dif- ferent places—their needs are unique to their communities and each has made different amounts of progress toward new buildings. Panama has been actively planning for a new building for quite some time. Since the public has also expressed its need for a community center, the plan is to construct a joint fire barn and community center. Last fall, the Community and Regional Planning class from UNL spent several weeks meeting with members of the community and designing floor plans for the new multi-purpose building. According to Eric Johnson, chairman of the Village Board, no one of the plans was a good fit with the community, but elements from several of them could be incorporated into the project. Scott Sullivan, an architect with Erickson & Sullivan, has drawn up a preliminary plan, and the village owns a little over five lots of property in the area of the old elevator on which to build. It remains for the board get the public’s input, decide on an architectural plan, and secure financing for the project. As for Firth, no one is certain whether or not the fire district owns the building or the land that it stands on. One of Allen’s main concerns is that the fire district doesn’t own its land in either town, and in Panama, the fire district depends on the village to subsidize the fire barn. “We’re really a homeless fire district, and I really think we should own both buildings,” he said. For Firth, time is of the essence, but working together with Panama could make their new building a reality in time for the new pumper. The fire district is considering an interlocal agreement to own the fire station part of the Panama Fire Barn/ Town Hall, and the other part would be available for the community’s use. The building committee for the projects is diving into its research, and the village of Panama plans to hold informational meetings for the public in the near future. Whether they put the vote to the town by including ballots in the bills or putting the issue on November’s ballot remains to be decided. “We want to wrap up both projects in one bond issue, go to design with one architect, and use one professional contractor to do the work,” said Allen. “This is an issue of public safety, and we want it done and done right.” Heath Petsche Financial Advisor College View Suite A 4703 Prescott Ave. Lincoln, NE 68506 Office: 483-4855 Home: 792-3393 Page 6 - VOICE NEWS, Thursday, January 17, 2008 PUBLIC NOTICES NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE The following described property will be sold at public auction to the highest bidder for cash or certified funds at the front steps of the Lancaster County Courthouse, Lincoln, Nebraska, on the 11th day of 11th day of February, 2008, at 10:00 a.m. Lot 8, Block 6, Woods Bros. Lakeview Acres Addition, Lincoln, Lancaster County, Nebraska. This sale is made without warranties as to the title or condition of the property and is subject to any and all (1) real estate taxes, (2) special assessments, (3) easements, covenants, restrictions of record, (4) prior mortgages and trust deeds of record, and (5) ground leases of record. The highest bidder is required to deposit a minimum of Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) of the successful bid at the time of the sale in the form of cash or certified funds, which shall be nonrefundable, and is further required to deliver cash or certified funds for the balance of the bid to the undersigned by the close of business on the day of the sale, except this requirement is waived when the highest bidder is the beneficiary. The purchases is responsible for all fees and taxes, including the documentary stamp tax. DATED this 31st day of December, 2007. By Michael P. Schmiedt Michael P. Schmiedt, Successor Trustee CRARY, HUFF, INKSTER, SHEEHAN RINGGENBERG, HARTNETT & STORM, P.C. 614 Piece Street P.O. Box 27 Sioux City, Iowa 51102 (712) 277-4561 (712) 277-4605 Fax Clerk to Clerk’s Institute in March. Motion to adjourn was made by Jobman, seconded by Parde. Motion Carried 3-0. The following bills were paid: Salaries, $2,138.18; Adams Super Foods, 13.55; Alltel, 46.97; ACCO, 418.60; Aquila, 322.28; Dissmeyer Towing, 363.53; EMS Billing, 78.30; Farmers Cooperative, 1,285.53; Fort Dearborn Life Ins Co, 65.36; Freeman Public Schools, 1,000.00; Great Plains One-Call, 1.01; Hestermann’s Repair, 135.59; Klein Hardware, 398.62; Midwest Refuse, 4,124.22; NE Public Health Env Lab, 28.00; Norris Public Power, 2,712.17; Praxair, 256.19; SAAP Bros, 120.00; Taylor’s Drain & Sewer, 770.00; VOICE News, 39.60; Windstream, 434.66; Mike Pethoud, 75.44; Buhr Electric, 80.13; NMC, INC, 242.42; Jeo Consulting, 600.00; Alltel, 41.22; SCG Consulting, 1,600.00; Matt’s Tire service, 120.14; Hilltop Greenhouse, 35.00; EMP, 108.90; Melissa Hotovy, 250.00; plus other bills after 12/6/07 Jesse Keebler, 75.00; BAB Inc, 2,274.00; NE Dept. of Revenue, 816.55; Mike Pethoud, 300.00; Salary, 1,047.40= Total Checks $22,418.56. Lisa Gembala, Village Clerk Weiss made a motion to accept Todd Pella as a member of the Sterling Fire Department, and Rengstorf seconded the motion. Vote: yeas: all. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 8:50 p.m. Dennis Heusman, Board Chairman Lola Wentz, Village Clerk MINUTES OF THE HICKMAN CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON DECEMBER 11, 2007 Mayor Jim Hrouda called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. and referenced the meeting recording process, optional sign in sheet, and open meeting law posting. Council Members Doug Hanson, Kim Hoesing, and Steve Noren were present for Roll Call. Council Members Mike Cejka and Dave Dykmann were absent and excused from the proceedings. Council Member Richard Harms joined proceedings at 7:15 p.m. to form a quorum. Notice of the meeting and agenda was given to the Mayor and all members of the Governing Body prior to the meeting. Notice of the meeting was distributed or posted to The VOICE News, City Offices, U.S. Post Office – Hickman, and Jack-n-Jill. PROCLAMATIONS/INTRODUCREGULAR MEETING TION/PRESENTATIONS OF THE VILLAGE Mayor Hrouda introduced Mr. Leon BOARD OF TRUSTEES TenHulzen. Mr. TenHulzen was preSTERLING, NEBRASKA sented a plaque for his years of service The Chairman and Board of Trust- from July 31, 1973 to November 30, 2007. ees of the Village of Sterling met in regu- Mayor Hrouda expressed the City’s lar session on Tuesday, December 11, gratitude for Mr. TenHulzen’s 34 years 2007, at 7:00 p.m. at the Sterling Fire of service to the City of Hickman as the Barn in a publicly convened session the Maintenance/Public Works Director. same being open to the public and havMayor Hrouda introduced Mr. ing been preceded by advanced publi- Lawayne Feit. Mr. Feit was presented a cized notice. The Open Meetings Act plaque for his years of service from Febwas read. Chairman Dennis Heusman ruary 9, 1989 to January 8, 2008. Mayor called the meeting to order. Trustees Hrouda expressed the City’s appreciaanswering roll call were: Stan Karr, Vane tion for Mr. Feit’s 19 years of service to Rengstorf, Dwight Weiss, Chuck the City of Hickman as the City AttorWingert. Visitors: LeRoy Riensche, ney. Audrey Keebler, Jack Weyers. CONSENT AGENDA Reorganization proceedings: Weiss The City Administrator reviewed line nominated Dennis Heusman as Chair- item content of the new Accounts Payman of the Board, and Wingert seconded able/Claims report with Governing Body. the motion. Roll call vote: yeas: all. Mo- Also presented was a Budget Cash retion carried. port for November. Motion by Council January 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 Committees for 2008: streets and Member Hanson, and seconded by brush site- Heusman and Weiss; water Council Member Noren, to approve the VILLAGE OF ADAMS and wastewater-Karr and Heusman; Consent Agenda with the Budget Cash Notice of Renewal park and recreation- Karr and Heusman; Report presented in the report to include Class C Liquor License Notice is hereby given that pursuant cemetery- Weiss and Karr, Personnel all infrastructure cost items reimbursable to Section 53-135.01, liquor license may appointments: clerk-treasurer- Lola back to the City. The following Council be automatically renewed for one year Wentz; librarian- Sue Wilken; utility su- Members voted “YEA”. Noren, from May 1, 2008, for the following re- perintendent- LeRoy Riensche; village Hoesing, Harms, and Hanson. The foltail liquor, to wit: Trails End Cafe, 633 attorney- Steve Mercure; security guard- lowing Council Members voted “NAY”. Main, Street, Adams, NE 68301, and Ivan Heusman; zoning administrator- None. Motion passed 4-0. Current List of Elected and ApSuper Foods, 641 Main Street, Adams, Jack Weyers; grants- Chuck Wingert; insurance- Dwight Weiss. Library board pointed Officials was presented. Motion NE 68301. Notice is hereby given that written members- Jean Albrecht, Jackie by Council Member Hoesing, and secprotest to the issuance of automatic re- Brammeier, Becky Barney, Shirley Zink. onded by Council Member Hanson, to newal of license may be filed by any All personnel and committees were ap- approve list as presented. The following resident of the Village in the office of proved as assigned by the board chair- Council Members voted “YEA”. Noren, Hoesing, Harms, and Hanson. The folthe Village Clerk; that in the event pro- man. Karr made a motion to approve the lowing Council Members voted “NAY”. tests are filed by three or more such persons, hearing will be had to detemine minutes of the last regular meeting held None. Motion passed 4-0. OPEN FORUM whether continuation of said license November 13, 2007, and Rengstorf seconded the motion. Vote: yeas: all. MoMs. Julie Cejka of 714 Sunflower should be allowed. tion carried. was present to discuss the proposed Lisa Gembala, Village Clerk These bills were approved for pay- Norris Public Power line. She noted that Jan. 10, 17 ment in a motion by Wingert, and Weiss the line was proposed to go into the City seconded the motion. Vote: Karr, Weiss, Right-of-Way and not allow for any VILLAGE OF ADAMS Wingert, Heusman. Abstaining: money for possible devaluation to the MINUTES OF Rengstorf. Motion carried. property. Ms. Cejka stated that buried January 3, 2008 MEETING These bills were approved for pay- cable would be a better option. Mayor A regular meeting of the Village Board of Trustees was held at the Vil- ment: Aquila, fuel, $398.88; BAB, clean Hrouda responded to Ms. Cejka by statlage Office on Thursday, January 3, ditches, cemetery, SENE Coop, repair ing that she needed to discuss this with 2008, at 7:00 p.m. Present were Chair- dam north of Sterling, 6,607.00; Carp’s, her NPPD representative. No action was man Chris Schiebur; Councilmen, Lloyd fuel, 563.85; City of Tecumseh, handibus taken this item. Mr. Bill Seifert of 7220 Hickman Goracke, Richard Jobman, and Dean fee, 300.00; Concrete Industries, concrete, 553.58; D&D Communications, Road was present to also discuss the Parde. Absent, Larry Agena Motion was made by Parde, sec- rep., 99.00; Employees Benefit Program, proposed Norris Public Power line. He onded by Goracke, to approve the min- Riensche ins., 200.00; First National also mentioned the potential move of the utes of the last meeting. Motion Carried Bank of Omaha, sup., 187.06; Great line to the Right-of-Way. He also stated Plains One Call, fee, 25.54; Hawkins that burying the electrical line would be 3-0. Motion was made by Goracke, sec- Water Treatment, sup, 25.79; Ivan a better option in regards to home valonded by Parde, to approve the Decem- Heusman, mileage, 240.00; Jack Weyers, ues. Mr. Seifert also noted that if ber Treasurer’s Reports. Motion Carried fee, 104.06; Jeff Bessey, snow removal, Hickman Road was going to be widen 50.00; Library books, 166.85; MCI, the power poles would be in the way. 3-0. Motion to pay all bills as presented phones, 12.72; NDEQ, fee, 150.00; Mayor Hrouda responded to Mr. Seifert was made by Parde, seconded by NDEQ, sewer payment, 6,343.19; and noted that he should contact his NPPD, elec. 1,598.59; NPHEL, fee, NPPD representative. No action was Jobman. Motion Carried 3-0. Tracy Zastrow, The Garbage Com- 16.00; Nestor & Mercure, fee, 100.00; taken on this item. REPORTS pany, discussed a 3.5% rate increase. Payroll, 4,371.51; Payroll taxes, 928.84; Deputy John Vik was present and Village Board will renew contract for 1 Roger Huls, sup, 146.93; Vane year with the 3.5 % rate increase. New Rengstorf, snow removal, 190.25; gave his report. He noted that calls for contract will be mailed to Village by VOICE News, pub. 39.60; Waymire service had decreased since last month. Well, sup, 45.69; Westside Auto, rep. He also noted that several of the calls Tracy. 302.19; Windstream, phones, 439.97; were for dog at large. Motion by CounNo Building permits. Discussion with James Buhr, Free- Wusk Power Equipment, rep. 77.90. cil Member Hoesing, and seconded by Council Member Harms, to accept the man School Board, about refunding the Total: $24,284.99 Weiss made a motion to close and Sheriff Deputy’s Report. The following Building Permit fee to the school. The lock village park from November 15, Council Members voted “YEA”. Noren, Building permit will not be refunded. Mike Lempka discussed sewer prob- 2007 until March 15, 2008. Karr sec- Hoesing, Harms, and Hanson. The folonded the motion. Vote: yeas: all. Mo- lowing Council Members voted “NAY”. lem. None. Motion passed 4-0. Mike Pethoud introduced Ron Kuster tion carried. LeRoy Riensche, utility superintenPUBLIC HEARINGS as new Chairman of Planning and ZonNone ing. Discussed need for new alternate dent, reported: gearhead installed for well by Sargent Drilling; generators and cost UNFINISHED BUSINESS to Zoning. City Engineer James Burroughs with Motion was made by Parde, sec- of hookups; reduction in salt stockpile. Building permit for Ervin Hansen and Olsson Associates was present to disonded by Goracke, to approve Alvie cuss Completion of the Wastewater Bouwens as a board member of Plan- Ryan McAuliffe were approved. There was discussion on the surveil- Treatment Plant. Monday December 17, ning and Zoning Commission. Motion 2007 at 2:00 p.m. will be the final walk lance camera with no action taken. Carried 3-0. Wingert made a motion to adopt a through. No action was taken on this Discussed spraying of the two resolution for Operations Plan for Disas- item. ballfields. NEW BUSINESS Discussion about hooking into water ter Response and Recovery, and Weiss Resolution #2007-14 was presented. and sewer lines on housing development. seconded the motion. Vote: yeas: all. RESOLUTION NO. 2007–14: BE IT Discussion about sending Village Motion carried. RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HICKMAN, NEBRASKA. That the City Council and employees of the City of Hickman join together to extend Holiday Greetings and Best Wishes to the citizens of Hickman and the surrounding area, for a joyous Christmas and a Happy New Year filled with peace, happiness and prosperity; and that the joy which is shared during the Christmas season remain in our hearts throughout the year. Motion by Council Member Hoesing, and seconded by Council Member Harms, to approve Resolution #200714. The following Council Members voted “YEA”. Noren, Hoesing, Harms, and Hanson. The following Council Members voted “NAY”. None. Motion passed 4-0. A proposed draft of the revised employee handbook was presented. Discussion included employee benefits, holidays, over time, vacation days, on call status, and sick time carry over. It was decided to table this issue until the next meeting and Council Members would present their ideas. This item was tabled until the next meeting. Mr. James Burroughs with Olsson’s Associates presented an Agreement for Professional Services for a Water Treatment Study. The Project would begin in January 2008 and end in April of 2008. Motion by Council Member Hanson, and seconded by Council Member Hoesing, to accept the Agreement for Professional Services for the Water Treatment Study not to exceed $9750.00 and add Task 9 identify grant and funding options for each option. The following Council Members voted “YEA”. Noren, Hoesing, Harms, and Hanson. The following Council Members voted “NAY”. None. Motion passed 4-0. Mr. Burroughs presented a proposed Lift Station Policy. Mayor and City Council discussed some of the areas that the policies need to be changed. Policy would be presented to the Mayor and City Council with the changes mentioned as an Ordinance at the next meeting. Ordinance #2007-20 Erosion Control in the Public Right-of-Way was introduced and read by title by the Deputy City Clerk. Motion by Council Member Hanson, and seconded by Council Member Hoesing, to waive the three reading rule. The following Council Members voted “YEA”. Noren, Hoesing, Harms, and Hanson. The following Council Members voted “NAY”. None. Motion passed 4-0. Motion by Council Member Hoesing and seconded by Council Member Noren to pass Ordinance #2007-20 on first and final reading. The following Council Members voted “YEA”. Noren, Hoesing, Harms, and Hanson. The following Council Members voted “NAY”. None. Motion passed 4-0. CITY ATTORNEYS REPORT City Attorney Lawayne Feit introduced Mr. Kelly Hoffschnider the new City Attorney taken over in January 2008. Motion by Council Member Hoesing, and seconded by Council Member Harms, to approve City Attorney’s Report. The following Council Members voted “YEA”. Noren, Hoesing, Harms, and Hanson. The following Council Members voted “NAY”. None. Motion passed 4-0. CITY ADMINISTRATORS REPORT City Administrator discussed with the Mayor and City Council a retirement reception on Wednesday, February 20, 2008 for Mr. Leon TenHulzen and Mr. Lawayne Feit. City Administrator reviewed the budget cash report presented and discussed the upcoming audit. He noted compliance of the Water System and continued testing and flushing of the lines. He also noted progress on economic development projects. City Administrator noted that the Lancaster Emergency Operation Plan had been received and was on file. He updated Mayor and Council on Viaduct project, Arbor Ridge cul-de-sac repair, City test well, and other infrastructure projects. Motion by Council Member Hoesing, and seconded by Council Member Harms, to approve City Administrators report. The following Council Members voted “YEA”. Noren, Hoesing, Harms, and Hanson. The following Council Members voted “NAY”. None. Motion passed 4-0. GOVERNING BODY COMMENTS AND CORRESPONDENCE A memo from Norris Public Power District discussing the east subtransmission project was received. A letter and payment from Cedars Lincoln was received for youth involved in park vandalism. A letter from Lancaster County Engineering Department was received. The letter approved the proposed cost of the utility relocation project for the Viaduct project. A memo to a building contractor was included, reminding that contractor that a building permit is required in Hickman. Several Christmas Cards and Holiday Greetings were received. A letter of Map Revision was also received from Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Also noted were e-mail correspondence about snow removal. Motion by Council Member Hanson, and seconded by Council Member Harms, to exceed 10:00 p.m. The following Council Members voted “YEA”. Noren, Hoesing, Harms, and Hanson. The following Council Members voted “NAY”. None. Motion passed 4-0. EXECUTIVE SESSION Motion by Council Member Hoesing, and seconded by Council Member Harms, to go into executive session to discuss non-elected personal and City Legal matters at 10:10 p.m. The following Council Members voted “YEA”. Noren, Hoesing, Harms, and Hanson. The following Council Members voted “NAY”. None. Motion passed 4-0. Motion by Council Member Hoesing, and seconded by Council Member Harms, to reconvene in regular session at 10:18 p.m. The following Council Members voted “YEA”. Noren, Hoesing, Harms, and Hanson. The following Council Members voted “NAY”. None. Motion passed 4-0. Motion by Council Member Hoesing, and seconded by Council Member Hanson, to authorize City Administrator to proceed with a Release and Separation Agreement with a City Employee. The following Council Members voted “YEA”. Noren, Hoesing, Harms, and Hanson. The following Council Members voted “NAY”. None. Motion passed 4-0. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Council Member Hanson, and seconded by Council Member Hoesing, to adjourn at 10:19 p,m. The following Council Members voted “YEA”. Noren, Hoesing, Harms, and Hanson. The following Council Members voted “NAY”. None. Motion passed 4-0. Emily G. Bausch Deputy Clerk Jim Hrouda Mayor CLAIMS GOVERNING BODY MEETING DECEMBER 11, 007 Aflac, Insurance, $211.98; Alltel, City Cell Phones, $446.44; Ameritas Life Insurance Corp., Retirement, $900.00; Aquila, Gas Service, $179.82; Arbor Heights LLC, Preconnect Deposit Returned, $2,500.00; Baker & Associates, Health Insurance Allocation, $1,004.84; BR Baker, Expense Report, $262.77; Bizco Technologies Inc., Service Agreement, $1,350.00; Blue Cross / Blue Shield of Nebraska, Health Insurance, $3,995.20; Briarhurst True Value, Supplies, $56.01; Climatech Heating & Air, Repairs, $82.00; Delta Dental of Nebraska, Insurance, $150.50; EDM Equipment Co., Repairs, $160.00; First National Merchant Solution, Equipment Rental, $68.00; First State Bank, Loan Payment, $15,229.11 First State Bank, Safe Deposit Box, $25.00; Great Plains One-Call Service, Locates, $36.83; HD Supply - White Cap, Supplies, $176.00; Huenink Refuse, Sanitation, $50.00; Jack & Jill, Supplies, $57.62; League Assoc. of Risk Mgt., City Insurance, $1,241.00; Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, Membership, $378.00; Terrie Lovorn, Janitorial, $80.00; Manneco Inc., Parts/Supplies, $71.77; Bruce Messenger, Inspection, $120.00; Mike’s Welding, Light Covers, $211.32; John Morris, Plumbing Inspections, $180.00; Municipal Supply, Inc. of NE, Supplies, $245.90; NE Public Health Env. Lab, Testing, $480.00; NMC Cat, Testing, $50.00 Ne Economic Development Association, Membership, $75.00; Norris Public Power District, Energy, $37,345.41; Olsson Associates, Engineer/Consulting, $26,397.44; Shelli Pomajzl, Tree Rebate, $50.00; Salt Valley Land Company, Inc, Rent, $100.00; Merl Scott, HVAC Inspections, $150.00; Dale Stertz, Consulting, $300.00; Dale Stertz, Building Inspections, $600.00; Leon TenHulzen, Tiller Use 2004 - Current, $60.00; TerMaats Garage, Truck Repairs, $608.09; The Plumber, Repairs, $201.00; The Printer Store, Inc, Repairs, $65.00; VOICE News, Legal Publication, $173.46; Voss Lighting, Lights Repairs, $235.56; Walkers Uniform Rental, Janitorial, $51.00; Walkers Uniform Rental, Uniform, $236.60; Wells Fargo Card Services, Statement, $214.27; Whitehead Oil, Fuel Expenses, $821.70; Windstream, Communication, $262.77; Payroll Distribution, 11.16.07 thru 11.30.07, $8,338.36; Hawkins Construction Co., Pay Cert. 11, $13,002.12; Ameritas Life Ins. Corp, Pension, $1,720.34; First State Bank, 941 Withholding, $5,270.70; ICMA-RC, Pension, $594.88 NORRIS SCHOOL DISTRICT 160 Board of Education January 10, 2008 Regular Meeting Continued on Page 7 VOICE NEWS, Thursday, January 17, 2008 - Page 7 PUBLIC NOTICES Continued from Page 6 Central Office Board Room The regular meeting of the Norris School District 160 Board of Education was convened in open and public session at 7:35 p.m. on Thursday, January 10, 2008 in the Central Office Board Room. Board members present: Larry Grosshans, Craig Gana, Jim Plouzek, and Patty Bentzinger. Absent: Tom Kohn. Administrators present included Dr. Roy Baker, Galen Boldt, Barry Stark, Mary Jo Rupert, John Skretta and Dr. Bob Brandt. Organization of the Board Patty Bentzinger was nominated for President. Gana moved, Grosshans seconded, that nominations be closed, and a unanimous ballot be cast for Patty Bentzinger. Motion passed 5-0 Larry Grosshans was nominated for VicePresident. Jim Plouzek moved, seconded by Jim Craig, that the nominations close with a unanimous ballot cast. Voting yes: Grosshans, Gana, Plouzek, Craig, Bentzinger. Motion passed 5-0. Jim Craig was nominated for Treasurer. Grosshans moved, Plouzek seconded, that the nominations close with a unanimous ballot cast. Voting yes: Grosshans, Gana, Plouzek, Craig, Bentzinger. Motion passed 5-0. Jim Plouzek was nominated for Secretary. Gana moved, seconded by Grosshans, that the nominations close with a unanimous ballot cast. Voting yes: Grosshans, Gana, Plouzek, Craig, Bentzinger. Motion passed 5-0. After discussion, President Bentzinger appointed the following Committees for 2008: Salary and Bargaining – Tom Kohn, Chair; Patty Bentzinger; and Larry Grosshans Buildings and Grounds – Committee as a Whole (all members). Larry Grosshans, Chair. Transportation – Jim Craig, Chair; Jim Plouzek; Craig Gana Superintendent’s report Upcoming dates, events: GNSA meeting – Wednesday, Jan. 16, 9:30 a.m., NCSA State Leadership Conference – Lincoln, Sun. Jan. 27 Legislative Issues Conference – Lincoln, Jan. 27-28 Labor Relations Conference – Feb. 4-5, M-T, Kearney February Board of Education meeting – Thursday, February 14. NSBA, March 29-April 1 Dr. Baker distributed information regarding the upcoming SE Nebraska Career Academy Partnership (CAP) Career Fair to the Board. He also shared that CAP Coordinator Randy Nelson is submitting an application for the ESU 6 schools for an additional $200,000+ for the Career Academy Partnership. Enrollment update - At the half way point in this school year, the enrollment has changed little since the beginning of the year: Elementary down 4, Middle School up 5, High School up 4. Consent agenda The consent items were approved by unanimous consent. Curriculum/program report Extra Curricular Activities Activities Director Randy Bates gave a presentation on the full spectrum of activities that Norris High School offers. The Board was appreciative of the PowerPoint showing many students participating in lots of activities. Curriculum change proposal Dr. Baker presented a proposed curriculum addition, submitted by Jack Jenkins and approved by the High School Principal and Superintendent. A motion was made by Grosshans, seconded by Craig, to support the addition of the proposed Computer/Manufacturing Course as presented. Voting yes: Grosshans, Gana, Plouzek, Craig, Bentzinger. Voting no: none. The motion carried 5-0. Dr. Baker also presented an updated Proposed Curriculum Change form. Policies and Regulations Dr. Baker presented a proposed amendment to Policy 4145 to change the date that applications for the early retirement incentive program must be submitted. Current policy calls for the applications to be submitted March 1 to March 31. The proposed amendment would change the submittal dates to February 1 to February 28/29. A motion was made by Craig, seconded by Plouzek, to give first approval for the proposed amendment of Policy 4145. Voting yes: Grosshans, Gana, Plouzek, Craig, Bentzinger. Board areas of focus The Board reviewed the items agreed upon at the November meeting and discussed the action plans which had been developed. The date of the annual leadership team retreat (Board members and administrators) was set for Saturday morning, March 8. Open forum/Citizens’ requests No requests were made. Administrators’ Reports Administrators present reported on current matters of interest. The meeting adjourned at 9:50 p.m. Minutes recorded by Galen Boldt General Fund ACT, SUPPLIES/GUIDANCE HS, $1,278.80; ADVANCED KEYBOARD TECHNOLOGY, SUPPLIES/ SPED RESOURCES - MS, 179.00; ADVANCED OFFICE AUTOMATION, SUPPLIES/ADMIN-CENTRAL OFFICE, 33.45; ALTA BOOK CENTER PUBLISHERS, TEXTBOOKS/ENGLISH - ELEM, 105.56; AMERICAN MATH COMPETITIONS/MAA, SUPPLIES/MATH - HS, 310.00; BAKER HARDWARE CO., INC., SUPPLIES/PLANT MAINT., 40.31; BANK OF AMERICA PAYMENTS, SOFTWARE/TECH SUPPORT - DIST, 550.98; BARNES DISTRIBUTION, TIRES AND PARTS/ TRANSPORTATION, 234.65; BATES, RANDY, MILEAGE / INSERVICE/ ADMIN - HS, 812.98; BEATRICE COMMUNITY HOSPITAL, CONTRACTED PHYSICAL THERAPY/ PRESCHOOL, 1,185.31; BERNIKLAU ED.SOL.TEAM/FRTC, MEDICAID ADM ACT EXP - DIST, 1,058.95; BROWER SCHOOL BUS PARTS, TIRES AND PARTS/TRANSPORTATION, 602.44 CARLSON, ANDREW, SUPPLIES/ART - HS, 202.89; CARQUEST AUTO PARTS, TIRES AND PARTS/ TRANSPORTATION, 661.52; CORNHUSKER INTL TRUCKS, INC., TIRES AND PARTS/TRANSPORTATION, 99.20; COUNTRYSIDE COOP (FIRTH COOP), GAS/TRANSPORTATION, 12,105.15; CRESCENT ELECTRIC SUPPLY CO., SUPPLIES/ PLANT MAINT., 1,469.38; DELL MARKETING, L.P., REPAIR SERVICES/TECH SUPPORT - DIST, 806.00; DIETZE MUSIC HOUSE, EQUIPMENT REPAIR/MUSIC - HS, 383.50; DIODE COMMUNICATIONS CONSULTING SERVICES/TECH SUPPORT - DIST 39.95; DRUMMOND AMERICAN CORPORATION, SUPPLIES/PLANT MAINT., 202.90; EAGLE SERVICES, INC., RENTAL OF PORTABLE RESTROOMS - HS, 220.00; EAKES OFFICE PLUS, COPIER MAINT CONT - HS, 311.90; EGAN SUPPLY COMPANY, SUPPLIES/PLANT MAINT., 3,257.42; ERSKINE, NOEL, REPAIR SERVICES/TECH SUPPORT - DIST, 53.95; ESSINK, HARLAN, OTHER EXPENSES/ TRANSPORTATION, 55.00; ESU #5, DISTANCE LEARNING SPANISH CONTRACT, 5,000.00; ESU #6, DISTANCE LEARNING CONTRACTS/ TECH SUPPORT, 6,137.28 FARMERS COOPERATIVE - PLYMOUTH, TIRES AND PARTS/ TRANSPORTATION, 1,249.02; FOLLETT LIBRARY RESOURCES, LIBRARY BOOKS - MS, 3,849.74; FRED’S AUTO ELECTRIC, INC, REPAIR / MAINTENANCE/TRANSPORTATION, 226.00; GAGE COUNTY EQUIPMENT, INC., SUPPLIES/PLANT MAINT., 948.80; GRAINGER, INC., SUPPLIES/ PLANT MAINT., 356.00; HANSMEYER, WES, FURNITURE / EQUIPMENT/MUSIC - HS, 649.00; HIGHSMITH, INC., SUPPLIES/LIBRARY & MEDIA - HS, 187.34; HONEYWELL INC., SUPPLIES/ PLANT MAINT., 1,257.50 HORRACE MANN LEAGUE, DUES AND FEES/ADMIN-SUPT, 55.00; HUENINK REFUSE SERVICE, OTHER SERVICES/PLANT OPERATION, 1,870.00; HYVEE FOOD STORE #1388, SUPPLIES/HOME EC - HS, 194.85; IKON OFFICE SOLUTIONS, COPIER MAINT CONT - HS, 1,245.15; INTERSTATE ALL BATTERY CENTER, SUPPLIES/PLANT MAINT., 64.32; JACOBSEN FIRE EQUIPMENT CO, SUPPLIES/PLANT MAINT., 172.00; KUDER, INC, SUPPLIES/GUIDANCE - MS, 69.95; LANCASTER RURAL WATER, CHENEY EXPENSES/PLANT OPERATIONS, 33.00; LARSON SPORTS, GREG, SUPPLIES/PE - ELEM, 30.19 LEE BOOKSELLERS, READING SUPPLIES - ELEM, 277.23; LINCOLN ELECTRIC SYSTEM, CHENEY EXPENSES/PLANT OPERATIONS, 247.19; LINCOLN TRUCK CENTER, TIRES AND PARTS/TRANSPORTATION, 2,631.08; LINWELD, SUPPLIES/VOC. AG - HS, 67.54; MARTIN, NANCY, SUPPLIES/HIGH AB LRNRS - MS, 58.18; MENARDS-LINCOLN SOUTH STORE, TIRES AND PARTS/TRANSPORTATION, 309.00; MIDWEST REFUSE SERVICE, SUPPLIES/PLANT MAINT., 236.25; MIDWEST SOUND & LIGHTING, INC., AUDITORIUM SUPPLIES - DIS- TRICT, 721.50; MONEY HANDLING MACHINES, INC, FURNITURE / EQUIP/ADMIN-ASST SUPT, 176.90 MUSIC THEATRE INTERNATIONAL, MUSIC (VOCAL) SUPPLIES - MS, 623.50; NASB ALICAP, WORKMEN’S COMPENSATIONELEM, 12,912.00; NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC BEE, SUPPLIES/SOCIAL STUDIES - MS, 60.00; NCS PEARSON INC, SASI PURCHASE / SERV./TECH SUPPORT-DIST, 885.50; NASCD, OTHER EXP/ STAFF DEVELOPMENT - DIST, 141.00; NEBRASKA SAFETY CENTER, OTHER EXPENSES/TRANSPORTATION, 200.00; NEBRASKA/CENTRAL EQUIPMENT, TIRES AND PARTS/ TRANSPORTATION, 86.24; NORRIS PUBLIC POWER, ROKEBY EXPENSES/PLANT OPERATION, 45,911.54; OREGON TRAIL EQUIP, LLC, SUPPLIES/PLANT MAINT., 22.80; PAYFLEX SYSTEMS USA, INC, UNEMP. COMP., IRS 125 ADM FEE - DIST, 560.70 PEERLESS WIPING CLOTH CO, SUPPLIES/PLANT MAINT., 132.00; PEPPER OF MINNEAPOLIS, MUSIC (VOCAL) SUPPLIES - HS, 362.08; PIENING, JENNIFER, PHYSICAL THERAPY/ORTHOPEDIC - ELEM, 3,441.58; PIONEER PUBLISHING COMPANY, SUPPLIES/ADMIN - HS, 218.15; PRICE, JUDEEN, SUPPLIES/ HOME EC - HS, 34.17; QUALITY WATER SERVICES, INC., WATER SOFTENER SALT - PLANT OPERATION, 326.00; QUILL CORPORATION, SUPPLIES/ADMIN-CENTRAL OFFICE, 144.35; RICE, MATT, TELEPHONE - DIST, 127.71; SCHUERMAN WELDING, INC, TIRES AND PARTS/TRANSPORTATION, 247.32; SCHWISOW CONST CO, STEVEN B., SUPPLIES/PLANT MAINT., 400.00; SEISER, LYN, SUPPLIES/HOME EC - HS, 62.54; SEXAUER, INC., J.A., SUPPLIES/ PLANT MAINT., 186.46; SIGNS NOW, TIRES AND PARTS/TRANSPORTATION, 335.95; STATE OF NEBRASKA (ENERGY OFF., CONTRACTED / SECURED SERV/PLANT MAINT., 4,506.50; TCA OUTDOOR POWER CO, SUPPLIES/ PLANT MAINT., 249.74; TERMINIX INTERNATIONAL, OTHER SERVICES/PLANT OPERATION, 42.00; TRACY, BRENDA, MILEAGE / INSERVICE/SPED DIAG SERVELEM, 769.50; UNITED EQUIPMENT SERVICES CO., SUPPLIES/ PLANT MAINT. 1,519.50; UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA, SHOW CHOIR ENTRY FEES/EXPENSES HS, 500.00; VOICE NEWS, ADVERTISING/PRINTING - DIST, 2,630.38; WALKER TIRE AND AUTO SERVICE, TIRES AND PARTS/TRANSPORTATION, 1,088.84; WHITE ELECTRIC SUPPLY COMPANY, SUPPLIES/PLANT MAINT., 56.50; WINWHOLESALE, SUPPLIES/ PLANT MAINT., 290.78. General Fund Sub-Total: $133,656.53 General Fund Sub-Total: $133,656.53; Miscellaneous: $178.77; Payroll: $1,121,182.84; General Fund Total: $1,255,018.14 Imprest Account BETTY JOHNSON, reimbursement, $55.00; FIRTH POST OFFICE, postage, $99.20; BRENDA DOESCHOT, reimbursement, $30.00; ANDREW CARLSON, reimbursement, $378.74; FIRTH POST OFFICE, postage, $436.64; FIRTH POST OFFICE, postage, $436.64. Total Imprest: $1436.22 Lunch Fund CASH-WA DISTRIBUTING CO, SUPPLIES/MATERIALS EXCP FOOD, 6,477.36; JACK & JILL, FOOD, 19.98; LINCOLN POULTRY, FOOD, 10,076.00; MEADOW GOLD DAIRIES, FOOD, 3,801.99; NE FOOD DISTRIBUTION PROGRAM, FOOD, 3,021.90; PARADISE WATER COMPANY, FOOD, 55.00; PEGLER SYSCO FOOD SERVICES S U P PLIES/MATERIALS EXCP FOOD, 9,853.49; PEPSI-COLA, FOOD, 1,984.20; ROTELLA’S ITALIAN BAKERY, INC., FOOD, 485.56. Lunch Fund Total: $35,775.48 Building Fund DIETZE MUSIC HOUSE, FURNITURE AND EQUIPMENT, $700.00. Building Fund Total: $700.00 NOTICE OF MEETING NORRIS SCHOOL DISTRICT 160 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the regular meeting of the Board of Education will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 14th, 2008 in the Board Meeting Room at the Central Office, which meeting will be open to the public. The agenda for the meeting, kept continuously current, is available for public inspection at the office of the Superintendent. EDUCATIONAL SERVICE UNIT #6 Notice of Rescheduled Public Meeting The January meeting of the Board of Educational Service Unit #6 has been rescheduled. The meeting, previously scheduled for Thursday, January 17, 2008 will be held at ESU #6 in Milford, Nebraska on Tuesday, January 22, 2008 at 7:30 p.m. The agenda for said meeting is on file at Educational Service Unit No. 6 offices in Milford, NE and kept continually current. NOTICE OF MEETING VILLAGE OF ROCA, NEBRASKA NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a meeting of the Mayor and Council of the Village of Roca, Nebraska will be held at 7:00 O’CLOCK P.M. ON MONDAY, January 21, 2008 at the Village Hall, which meeting will be open to the public. An agenda for such meeting, kept continuously current, is available for public inspection at the office of the Village Clerk, but the agenda may be modified at such meeting. Kristi Janda, Village Clerk VILLAGE OF BENNET, NEBRASKA Board of Trustees Minutes December 10, 2007 A regular meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Village of Bennet, Nebraska was held at 8:00 p.m., Monday, December 10, 2007, at the regular meeting place of the Board, the Village Hall, 685 Monroe Street, in the Village, the same being open to the public and preceded by advance publicized notice duly given in strict compliance with the provisions of the Open Meetings Act, Chapter 84, Article 14, Reissue Revised Statutes of Nebraska, as amended, and having set forth (a) the time, date and place of the meeting; (b) that the meeting would be open to the attendance of the public; and (c) that an agenda for the meeting, kept continuously current, was available for public inspection at the offices of the Village Clerk. Advance notice of the meeting was also given to each member of the Board. Additionally, reasonable efforts were made to provide advance notice of the time, date and place of the meeting to all news media requesting the same. All motions (•) contained herein were duly made and approved by roll call vote, unless specifically noted. The Chair, Don Murray, presided and called the meeting to order at 8:05 p.m. The Clerk, Pat Rule, recorded the proceedings. On roll call the following Board Members were present: Don Murray, Dell Vedder, and Gregory Arp. Dean McClain joined the proceedings at 8:27 p,m. Board Member Jackie Bates was absent from all proceedings. A quorum being present and the meeting duly commenced, the following proceedings were had and done while the meeting was open to the attendance of the public. The Chair publicly announced the location of a current copy of the Open Meetings Act posted in the meeting room for access by the public. • Motion to approve the November 12, 2007 minutes of the regular meeting. • Motion to approve the Treasury Report for November 2007. The list of claims was presented for payment, as follows; Alltel, Mobile phones $160.95; Ampride, truck fuel $284.16; Aquila, gas service $87.64; Blue Cross, health insurance $645.48; Cornhusker Press, dog tags for 2008 $67.89; Eagle Services, portable toilet $59.00; Ed’s, mechanical repair $400.30; Erickson & Sederstrom, legal services $1,237.50; Great Plains One-Call, digger’s hotline $14.32; Hamilton Service Company, furnace repair, electric service $343.82; Heartland Community Bank, transfer fee $18.00, Employee withholding $2,020.60; Home & Farm Insurance $1,090.00; Kirkham Michael Consulting, waste water project engineering $1,150.00, general engineering $750.00; Lancaster County Sheriff, patrol service $564.20; MARC, sewer aid $295.80; Menards, general supplies and parts $122.81; Midwest Labs, sewer test $116.00; Morris, John, new construction inspections $315.00; NE Dept. of Environmental Quality, 2002 water project $13,405.93; NE Public Health Environmental Lab, water test $25.00; NE City Utilities, elec. service $2,132.38; NE Dept of Revenue, sales tax $1,056.05; Office Depot, office supplies $77.63; Roto-Rooter, jet flush mains and lift pump $905.76; Rural Water Dist. No. 1, Village water $4,125.00; Scott, Merl, building inspection $140.00; Small Engine Specialist, repair of street sander $176.98; Stertz, Dale, building inspections $265.00; Tingley, Brian, reimbursement for steel tube-Midwest Steel Works $97.37; Visa/ Bank One, repair parts, general office supplies $362.12; Waddle & Reed, employee pension fund $214.08; Wages $6,832.37; Windstream, phone, fax, sewer alarms, refuse site $216.46, trustee pay $1,065.00. • Motion to approve payment of the claims with the additions. Reports were received from Bruce Dahlberg Planning Commission, Village Engineer Rich Robinson of Kirkham Michael, Special Engineer Amit Shrivastava, and Utility Superintendent Brian Tingley. (McClain joins the proceedings at 8:27 p.m.) Communications were acknowledged. • Motion to a approve Change Order #3 for the Waste Water Treatment Plant project in the amount of $3,848.66. Resolution No. 2007-12.1 was introduced: A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE OF BENNET, NEBRASKA APPROVING THE CERTIFICATE OF ACCEPTANCE FILED BY THE VILLAGE’S SPECIAL ENGINEER FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF WORK IN SANITARY SEWER DISTRICT NO. 2006-1; SETTING A PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING THE PROPOSED PAYMENT FOR THE PROJECT AT PUBLIC COST; INSTRUCTING THE CLERK TO PROVIDE NOTICE OF THE PUBLIC HEARING; AND RELATED MATTERS • Motion to approve Resolution 2007-12.1 Discussion: ‘Plan of Action’ regarding water and sewer infrastructure improvements, and insurance valuations of Village owned properties and current premium cost. • Motion to amend the approved payment to Home and Farm Insurance to include the 2008 premium for a total payment of $23,049.00. Ordinance 2007-10.1 amending Bennet Code §130.06 relating to nuisances and providing for notice by publication or posting was introduced. (Included with this publication) • Motion to approve Ordinance 2007-10.1 on third and final reading. Resolution 2007-12.2 was introduced declaring conditions at 245 Birch Street, Bennet, Nebraska, to constitute a public nuisance and directing the Village Clerk/Treasurer to give notice to the owner to abate and remove the nuisance. • Motion by Murray, second by Vedder, to approve Resolution 200712.2. Ordinance 2007-11.1 was introduced annexing and including all of Lots 26 and 27, Irregular Tracts, in the SW1/ 4 of Section 2, Township 8N, Range 8E of the 6th PM; and amending the corporate limits map to reflect the change. • Motion by Murray, second by McClain, to advance Ordinance 20071.1 on second reading. Three YES; One NO; Motion carried. Arp submitted suggested changes to regulations of fireworks sales in the Village by reducing the number of days for sales. Public comment was received. • Motion to move forward with the process to change the dates for fireworks sales to June 28th through July 4th. Three YES; One NO; Motion carried. Discussion: Occupation taxes, damage to Switchgrass Lane pavement and settlement offer, acceptance of the resignation of Trustee Jackie Bates, a maintenance service agreement for the Village emergency generators at the sewer lift station and the Waste Water Treatment Plant, and a complaint regarding the condition of several properties on Elm Street, east of Monroe. These minutes are condensed for the purpose of publication. A complete set is available during regular business hours at the Village Office. • Motion to adjourn at 10:25 p.m. Patricia Rule, Village Clerk NOTICE OF ABATEMENT VILLAGE OF BENNET LANCASTER COUNTY, NEBRASKA NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN: The Bennet Village Board of Trustees have declared by Resolution No. 2007-12.2 conditions of property owned by Sam Branch, legally described as the East Half of Lot 10, Southwicks Subdivision, Bennet, Lancaster County, Nebraska and commonly known as 245 Birch Street to constitute a public nuisance. As owner of the property described, Sam Branch is hereby ordered and directed to remedy at once the public nuisance described as: a vehicle which has lost its identity, character, utility, or serviceability as such through deterioration, dismantling, or the ravages of time, which is inoperable, and unable to perform its intended functions and which has been left as wreckage or junk. Further, Sam Branch has five days following this publication to comply with this order or request a hearing with the Village, or the Village will proceed to cause the work to be done with the cost and expenses assessed to the property owner, Sam Branch. Ref: Bennet Code § 130.06. Publication Date: January 17, 2008 Patricia Rule, Bennet Village Clerk Continued on Page 11 Page 8 - VOICE NEWS, Thursday, January 17, 2008 PUBLIC NOTICES Continued from Page 7 VILLAGE OF BENNET ORDINANCE NO. 2007-10-1 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 130.06 OF THE CODE OF BENNET RELATING TO WEEDS, LITTER, STAGNANT WATER, AND OTHER NUISANCES, TO PROVIDE THAT, WHEN PERSONAL SERVICE OR CERTIFIED MAIL IS UNSUCCESSFUL, NOTICE OF A NUISANCE MAY BE GIVEN BY PUBLICATION OR POSTING; AND REPEALING SECTION 130.06 OF THE CODE OF BENNET AS HITHERTO EXISTING. BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CHAIRMAN AND THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE VILLAGE OF BENNET, NEBRASKA: Section 1. That Section 130.06 of the Code of Bennet be amended to read as follows: § 130.06 WEEDS; LITTER; STAGNANT WATER. (A) Lots or pieces of ground within the municipality shall be drained or filled so as to prevent stagnant water or any other nuisance accumulating thereon. (B) The owner or occupant of any lot or piece of ground within the municipality shall keep the lot or piece of ground and the adjoining street and alleys free of any growth of 12 inches or more in height of weeds, grasses, or worthless vegetation. (C) The throwing, depositing, or accumulation of litter on any lot or piece of ground within the municipality is prohibited, provided that grass, leaves, and worthless vegetation may be used as a ground mulch or in a compost pile. (D) It is hereby declared to be a nuisance to permit or maintain any growth of 12 inches or more in height of weeds, grasses, or worthless vegetation or to litter or cause litter to be deposited or remain thereon except in proper receptacles. (E) Any owner or occupant of a lot or piece of ground shall, upon conviction of violating this section, be guilty of an offense. (F) (1) Notice to abate and remove the nuisance shall be given to each owner or owner’s duly authorized agent and to the occupant, if any, by personal service or certified mail. If notice by personal service or certified mail is unsuccessful notice shall be given by publication in a newspaper of general circulation in the Village or by conspicuously posting the notice on the lot or ground upon which the nuisance is to be abated and removed. Within 5 days after receipt of the notice or publication or posting, whichever is applicable, if the owner or occupant of the lot or piece of ground does not request a hearing with the municipality or fails to comply with the order to abate and remove the nuisance, the municipality may have the work done. The costs and expenses of the work shall be paid by the owner. (2) If unpaid for 2 months after the work is done, the municipality may either: (a) Levy and assess the costs and expenses of the work upon the lot or piece of ground so benefitted benefited in the same manner as other special taxes for improvements are levied and assessed; or (b) Recover in a civil action the costs and expenses of the work upon the lot or piece of ground and the adjoining streets and alleys. (G) For the purpose of this section, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning. LITTER. Shall include but not be limited to: (a) Trash, rubbish, refuse, garbage, paper, rags, and ashes; (b) Wood, plaster, cement, brick, or stone building rubble; (c) Grass, leaves, and worthless vegetation; (d) Offal and dead animals; and (e) Any machine or machines, vehicle or vehicles, or parts of a machine or vehicle which have lost their identity, character, utility, or serviceability as such through deterioration, dismantling, or the ravages of time, are inoperative or unable to perform their intended functions, or are cast off, discarded, or thrown away or left as waste, wreckage, or junk. WEEDS. Shall include but not be limited to bindweed (convolvulus arvensis), puncture vine (tribulus terrestris), leafy spurge (euphorbia esula), Canada thistle (cirsium arvense), perennial peppergrass (lepidium draba), Russian knapweed (centaurea picris), Johnson grass (sorghum halepense), nodding or musk thistle, quack grass (agropyron repens), perennial sow thistle (sonchus arvensis), horse nettle (solanum carolinense), bull thistle (cirsium lanceolatum), buckthorn (rhamnus sp.) (tourn), hemp plant (Canabis cannabis sativa), and ragweed (ambrosiaceae). Section 2. That Section 130.06 of the Code of Bennet as hitherto existing be and the same is hereby repealed. Section 3. That this ordinance shall take effect and be in full force from and after its passage, approval and publication or posting as required by law. PASSED AND APPROVED this 10th day of December 2007. ATTEST: Patricia M. Rule Village Clerk Don Murray Chairman, Village Board of Trustees (SEAL) Approved as to Form and Legality: William A. Austin Village Attorney VILLAGE OF CORTLAND A regular meeting of the Village of Cortland, Nebraska, was held on Wednesday, January 9, 2008, at 7:00 p.m. at the Fire Hall in Cortland, Nebraska. Notice of the meeting and availability of the agenda were posted in advance. Present at the meeting were: Chairman Barb Tegley and Council Members: Forrest DeVries, Norval Papke and Mike Gates. Motion by Gates, seconded by Papke, to approve the minutes of the last meetings as published in the VOICE. Motion carried. Motion by DeVries, seconded by Olson, to approve the treasurer’s report as presented. Motion carried. Motion by Chairman Tegley, seconded by Papke, to receive and place on file all notices and materials having any bearing on the meeting. Motion carried. The following bills were presented for payment: ALLTEL, $50.20; AQUILA, 1,341.93; CORNHUSKER PRESS, 9.50; CORTLAND POST OFFICE, 82.00; COUNTRYSIDE CO-OP, 708.39; DEAN PESTER, 125.00; E-Z STOP, 380.58; GARY AND GERALD BEHRENDS, 150.00; GREAT PLAINS ONE-CALL SERVICES, INC., 7.96; JIM PRICE, 640.50; JORDAN SUBSCRIBE to your independent, hometown, weekly newspaper, the VOICE NEWS and enter to WIN TWO TICKETS to see: Sat., Feb. 23 Mid-America Center Council Bluffs, IA 4 sets of two tickets are available Winners will receive 2 tickets to the concert, limo transportation to and from the VOICE offices in Hickman or Bennet and the MAC in Council Bluffs! S ER D NN NCE I W OU N HE AN IN T 31 ! N. JA TION I D E EA CH PAC PRIZ E KA VA G L OV UED E ER A $25 T 0! ! Transportation provided by: Luxury Limousine Service serving Lincoln and southeast Nebraska • 1-888-546-6901 ; H \ U Yes, I’d like to receive 52 issues for only $28 In-State, $35 Out-of-State, $28 E-Sub or $40 Combo & enter to win 2 tickets to see Martina McBride!! Complete the form below, circle the type of subscription you’d like and send your check to: VOICE NEWS • PO Box 148 • Hickman, NE 68372 HURRY - deadline is Fri., Jan. 25, 2008 - Offer good on new or renewal subscriptions! Name: ________________________________________________________________________________________________ Address:____________________________________________ City, St & Zip: __________________________________ Phone: ________________________________ Email _________________________________________________________ GATES, 50.00; MENARDS, 42.58; METAL DOORS/HARDWARE, 18.00; NEBRASKA PUBLIC HEALTH ENVIRONMENTAL LAB, 80.00; NEBRASKA RURAL WATER ASSOC., 125.00; NORRIS PUBLIC POWER, 1,686.29; PRESTO X, 61.77; SALARIES, 2,036.85; TSC, 54.06’ VOICE NEWS, 35.02; VON BUSCH & SONS, INC., 4,175.59; WEHLING ENGINEERS, 707.36; WINDSTREAM, 192.07 Motion by DeVries, seconded by Papke, to pay the bills. Motion carried. Motion by Papke, seconded by DeVries, to approve the building permit submitted by Jim Campbell providing the necessary set backs are followed and the board authorizes them after inspection of the property. Motion carried. Wehling discussed the one and six year street and road plan calling for maintenance only with the board. Todd Bohlmeyer addressed the board regarding practice of a 9 year old girl’s basketball team one night a week with the board. The board agreed to allow Todd’s team to use the gym for $25.00 for the season. Dennis Schlake discussed the sale of 14.6 acres of his property with the Board Attorney, Andy Carothers, said Dennis did not need board approval to sell the tract. Steve Rowell reported to the board that the wells are testing good. Maintenance is needed on the North well and the other well he will tap the pipe on. He reported that he had filled out a needs survey for funding of water projects with the following needs included: New water system costs rough draft would include 2 new wells, the need to loop some of the lines because there are too many dead ends which cause problems. The South well should be abandoned in his opinion. Bill Wehling asked Steve to check the lines on 8th Street and Main and 3rd and Vermont. Linda Lueders representing the Cortland Improvement Association reported that the 125th year celebration of the Village of Cortland will be held June 26th thru June 29. Linda stated that the organization is in need of financial assistance and need persons available for help with the celebration. The next meeting of the Association is scheduled for January 17th at the Cortland Fire Station. A complaint was received regarding parking of trucks and congestion on 4th & Sherman Streets in the Village. Motion by Olson, seconded by Papke, to suspend the rules requiring the reading or ordinances 3 times on separate nights. Motion carried. Ordinance #2008-1 was read by attorney Carothers. Motion by Olson, seconded by Papke, to pass and approve ordinance #2008-1. Motion carried. All voting aye. A letter of resignation was received from Ron Packard as director in charge of the Community Storm Shelter. The Board discussed the vacancy on the P&Z board. If anyone is interested in serving on this board, they are asked to contact the Village Clerk at 402-7987395. Motion by Gates, seconded by DeVries, to adjourn. Motion carried. I, Carolyn Otto, Village Clerk do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of the proceedings of the Village Board of Cortland, NE to the best of my knowledge. Village Clerk/Treasurer Carolyn Otto NOTICE OF ORGANIZATION VANDELAY INVESTMENTS, L.L.C. Pursuant to the provisions of the Nebraska Limited Liability Company Act of the State of Nebraska. Notice of Organization of VANDELAY INVESTMENTS, L.L.C.. a Limited Liability Company, is hereby given as follows: 1. The name of this Company is VANDELAY INVESTMENTS, L.L.C. 2. The address of the registered office of the Company is 4701 Van Dorn, Lincoln, NE 68506. 3. The general nature of the business to be transacted by the Company shall be to do any lawful act concerning and all lawful business, other than banking or insurance, for which a limited liability company may be organized under the laws of Nebraska. 4. The time of commencement of the Company shall be January 9, 2008 and the period of duration of the Company shall be perpetual. 5. The affairs of the Company shall be conducted by its Members. Dated this 9th day of January, 2008. VANDELAY INVESTMENTS, L.L.C. By /s/ Randall K. James Randall K. James, Member Jan. 17, 24, 31 NOTICE OF RENEWAL OF LIQUOR LICENSE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to Section 53-135.01 liquor license may be automatically renewed for one year from May 1, 2008 to April 30, 2009 for the following Class B Liquor License to wit: Casey’s General Store 1000 “I” St. Palmyra, NE 68418 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that written protests to the issuance of automatic renewal of license may be filed by any resident of the Village on or before February 10, 2008, in the Office of the Village Clerk; that in the event protests are filed by three or more such persons, hearing will be held to determine whether continuation of said license should be allowed. Lois Ikenberry, Village Clerk Pershing for President World War I did not produce a military hero who became President, but it did launch at least one aspirant, Gen. John J. Pershing, supreme commander of the American Expeditionary Force. Pershing challenged a second soldier-candidate from an earlier war, Maj. Gen. Leonard Wood, for the Republican presidential nomination in 1920. However, the “Pershing for President” boom soon collapsed. Attention focused on Pershing as a presidential possibility soon after the close of World War I. When he returned to the United States from Europe, welcoming crowds were enthusiastic. His reception in New York was like that of a returning hero as thousands lined Fifth Avenue to catch a glimpse of the most heroic figure of the war. Cautious by temperament, Pershing consulted friends, especially Charles Gates Dawes, about what course his future should take. Dawes and another friend of both Dawes and Pershing, Mark Woods, of Lincoln, began working to establish a “Pershing for President” boom in Nebraska. Like most professional soldiers, Pershing lacked a permanent residence, but he had lived in Lincoln from 1891 to 1895, and his family continued to live there. His backers faced a daunting task: building a statewide organization before the April 1920 presidential primary. Rival candidates Leonard Wood and Senator Hiram Johnson were far ahead. The strategy for capturing the sixteen Nebraska votes at the Republican convention was to present Pershing as a favorite son candidate and rely on voter loyalty to a fellow Nebraskan. A long campaign ended when Nebraska voters went to the polls to vote in the primaries on April 20, 1920. The final tally found Johnson the victor with 63,262 votes; Wood, 42,385; and Pershing, 27,669. Nebraska’s favorite son carried only Lancaster County by the slim plurality of 35 percent and was second choice in another ten counties near Lancaster. The draft Pershing longed for did not come. His name never appeared before the Republican convention, which nominated Warren G. Harding for President. Pershing did derive some satisfaction from the defeat of his rival general, Leonard Wood. A number of factors were responsible for Pershing’s poor showing. Cautious and reserved by nature, he did little personal campaigning and was often indecisive at crucial moments. His localized campaign lacked the organization and financing necessary to upset rival candidates, who had entered the contest earlier and with more resources. Pershing served as U.S. Army chief of staff from July 1921 to September 1924, when he retired from military service. He spent his remaining years serving on commissions and traveling. He died in July 1948. VOICE NEWS, Thursday, January 17, 2008 - Page 9 Vintage Farm Tractors by Delmer J. Dooley Sponsored by: TER MAAT’S GARAGE Antique Tractor Restoration & Sales 12000 Panama Rd • 788-2238 Early history of farm tractors 1920-1935 Records of early development of the farm tractor are difficult to find in available publications. This is partly due to the many models that did not get beyond the experimental stage. Some companies were undercapitalized, others had units that did not perform well under field conditions, and still others did not meet the demands of the customer. To give some insight to the alacrity of change in the industry, there were only six companies in 1904. By 1950 there were about fifty. During the period between these two dates, over 500 tractor companies had entered the industry. The year 1920 established another landmark in the development of tractors. This was the first year of tractor tests at the UniversityofNebraska.Tractortestingcame about because of the often exaggerated and unsubstantiated claims that were made by tractor companies. An example of advertising claims about performance was the Big Bull tractor. It was billed as the best in the industry. But was it? Over 3,800 of them were sold at the price of $335. But the Bull was so unsatisfactory that farmers said they had been “stung and hoodwinked.” In fact, a 1915 advertisement in the Dakota Farmer indicated that “over 60,000” Bulls were working for American Farmers.” It was said to “plow close to fence and into the corners.” Nevertheless, by 1914, this company wasoutsellingalltractors.By1920itwasout of business. Farmers who owned the machines did not have parts to service for them, and were left with a relic. The Nebraska Tests brought a standard of procedures to assure buyers that claims madeinregardtohorsepower,fueleconomy, belt test and operating ability under simulated field conditions were legitimate. Companies initially balked at having their machines tested, but it soon became apparent that sales would be greatly influenced by submitting stock tractors to testing. The first tractor to be tested was in 1920 when the Waterloo Gasoline Engine Company submitted its Waterloo Boy Model N 12-25. It received a passing grade in all tests. Waterloo Boy was later owned by John Deere. Interestingly, the next early tests were of five cross mount Case tractors. All met or exceeded the specifications of the J. I. Case Threshing Machine Company. The successful tests established the company as a major competitor in the industry. Design and refinement of tractors after 1920 came quite rapidly. The general purpose, or row-crop tractor, came on the scene. Its versatility to not only plow but, with mounted implements, plant, cultivate, harvest, do belt work, and any power-related operation provided huge selling points. This period also brought advances of enclosed gears, heat-treated steel, high tension magnetos or battery ignition, pressure lubrication,waterpumpcooling,powertake off,quick-tachimplements,andrubbertires, to name a few developments. During this period several tractors were to emerge as popular choices throughout the country. Among them was the John Deere D. This tractor remained in production until 1952. The McCormick-Deering 10-20 and 15-30 were also very popular. The Farmall made by McCormickDeering was a landmark in development. It was the first successfully proven all-purpose row-crop tractor of tricycle design. The Farmall was to set the standard for row-crop tractors that still is useful today. The Farmall also placed McCormickDeeringasthetopseller.Itwasalsotoreplace the Fordson in numbers of tractors produced. Fordson enjoyed almost sixty percent of the tractor market until 1925. It rapidly fell inmarketshareuntilFordsonceasedproduction in the United States 1928. One of the next major advances was the introduction of the all-rubber tire tractor, introducedbyAllisChalmersincooperation with the Firestone Rubber Company. By 1930 there were 920,378 tractors on America’s farms. Of this number, South Dakota ranked 14th, with 33,837 units. By 1935 the number of tractors on U. S. farms was 1,174,889. By the end of the 1920-35 period, there were nine or ten principal manufacturers of tractors, including International Harvestor, JohnDeere,J.I.Case,Massey-Harris,Oliver, Minneapolis-Moline, Allis-Chalmers, Cleveland tractor and Caterpillar. Lower Platte South Natural Resources District update Deadmans Run Watershed - Thirteen projects to ease flooding and improve water quality have been identified in this fully-developed Lincoln watershed. The NRD Board approved the watershed Master Plan in December. Consideration by the Lincoln City Council is expected early in 2008. Public hearing TBA. Antelope Valley Project- Bridge now under construction with a shoe-fly detour at 21st and O streets. Completion August 2008. East Leg of Big X to 27th Street under construction. Completion summer 2010. Channel construction, Y to Vine streets mostly shut down until spring. Completion in spring. Channel work continues. Vine to S. Bid Calling all Inventors, letting for final phase of channel work S to J streets. March 2008. Bid letting for extension of roadway. Y to Vine streets. Summer 2008. Waterford Dam (Sky Ranch)Flood control structure is functional near 103rd and O streets. Contractor still working: “punch list” phase. Haymarket Ballpark Trail- Extension of paved recreational trail from Charleston to 14th streets along Salt Creek levee. Permit phase. Spring and summer construction expected at estimated cost of $450,000. Piening Dam- Food control structure in Lancaster County near Seward County line, north of Highway 34. Bid letting soon for spring construction. Entrepreneurs, Business Owners! What is the Southeast Nebraska Inventors, Investors & Entrepreneurs (I2E) Club? A place to bring your ideas, to meet people like you who are interested in developing an invention or business concept and to receive assistance with growing your business. Tues., Jan. 22, 2008 x5:30-Networking; 6:15-Education UNL Kimmel Education & Research Cntr.x5985 G Road, Nebraska City Dr. Connie Reimers-Hild x 402.873.3166 x [email protected] Funded in part by a BECA grant from the Nebraska Department of Economic Development administered by the Rural Development Commission A wintry trail on Roca Road still bears the mark of Old Man Winter, and it’s not going to warm up anytime soon. Tonight...Mostly cloudy. Lows around 10. Wind chill values 7 below to 3 above zero. Tomorrow...Partly sunny with a 20 percent chance of snow. Highs in the lower 20s. Wind chill values 9 below to 1 above zero. Tomorrow Night...Partly cloudy. Lows around 1. Highs around 17. Saturday...Partly cloudy. Lows around 1. Highs around 17. Saturday Night...Partly cloudy in the evening then becoming mostly cloudy. Lows around 6. Sunday...Partly sunny. Highs in the lower 20s. Sunday Night...Mostly cloudy with a 20 percent chance of snow. Lows around 9. Photo by Christina Case Nemaha NRD Board meeting report With the beginning of a new year, the Nemaha Natural Resources District Board of Directors set to the task of organizing for the 2008 calendar year. All previous officers had agreed to nomination for their respective offices and were re-elected without competition. Officers for 2008 are Chair Ted Godemann, Falls City; Vice-Chair Scott Kudrna, Auburn; and Secretary/Treasurer Duane Sugden, Sterling. Orval Gigstad, Syracuse, and Lisa Beethe, Elk Creek, will again represent the Nemaha NRD on the Nebraska Association of Resources Districts board as the delegate and alternate, respectively. Orval Gigstad approached the board regarding a request to contribute to a fund drive to raise money for needed repairs of the National Association of Conservation Districts office building in Washington, D.C. Each District was asked to contribute $200 to honor the past presidents of the Nebraska Association of Resources Districts. The board voted to provide the $200 donation along with an additional $100 in memory of Olin Sims, the National Association president who recently died in a farm accident. The Programs and Projects Committee brought a motion to the board for a 10-year irrigation agreement with Syracuse Town & Country Pharmacy, Inc., to allow irrigation from Spring Creek 9-3 located about 3.5 miles east of Tecumseh. The landowner has indicated, however, that he would like to conduct a pump test to determine if the lake has a suitable amount of water for irrigation. Board approval was granted for the agreement. One variance request to allow for the drilling of an irrigation well east of Talmage was considered. However, because this has been an area of concern, NRD Water Department staff requested Olsson Associates, who has been working with the District on its Groundwater Management Plan update, to determine impacts to nearby wells and to the aquifer. Results of these tests indicated an adverse impact to nearby wells. Therefore, the board denied the request from Doug Teten for the variance. The Operations and Education Committee met with two individuals who had requested the board reconsider allowing motorized vehicles (i.e., motorcycles) on the ice at District-owned recreation areas. However, citing continuing concerns from both the District’s insurance agent and attorney, the board declined to reverse its decision made a year ago, which disallowed these activities. The next meeting of the Nemaha Natural Resources District Board of Directors will be on Thursday, February 14, beginning at 7 p.m. at the NRD headquarters, 62161 Highway 136, Tecumseh. Denton UM Church holding spaghetti supper Mark your calendars for Thursday, January 23, and attend the Denton United Methodist Church spaghetti supper from 4:30 to 7 p.m. at the Denton Community Center. Menu is spaghetti, garlic bread, salad, fresh pies and drinks. Pancake feed in Firth The Firth Reformed Church is holding its annual Men’s Pancake Supper on Monday evening, January 21, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Freewill offering. Your ffull ull service cable provider • Over 150 channels to choose from • Up to 5 Meg Internet; always on/always fast • Digital music • Pay-Per-View • Local channels/Free service calls • Need business Internet? No business too big or too small Bundle with Galaxy and save $$$ We’ve always got a great promotion to get you started! Call now 1-800-ENJO YTV 1-800-ENJOYTV (365-6988) Norris FFA Boosters fund-raiser The Norris FFA Boosters are sponsoring “The Waffleman” on Friday, January 18, at the Norris High School, rural Firth, from 5-8 p.m. Page 10 - VOICE NEWS, Thursday, January 17, 2008 The world is sweet when kids cooperate Nancy Wingate’s elementary classroom practiced math concepts and skills as they created designs, patterns and various shapes to decorate a gingerbread house. The project encouraged language development, sharing, patience and cooperation. Photos submitted (Left) Ciara Behrens, Blake Kastanek and Jessica Osterhaus hosted an open house for little gingerbread men everywhere. (Below) Jayden Hartwig and Trenton Haake started their architecture careers quite early. Freeman students take notes on erosion and the changing Earth Rachel Buehler and Brady Bloom put the finishing touches on their sweet little homes. Davis wins Norris Geography Bee STERLING SCHOOL From the desk of Principal Greg Peterson The fifth graders at Freeman Public School recently studied landforms and changes to the Earth’s surface in class. Jacob Jurgens, Taylor Sugden, Olivia Alberts, Cassidy Mason, Garrett Cacek, Alaina Huls and Marissa Haynes used a model to observe erosion and deposition in a stream table. Photo submitted Graduating with distinction from SCC Benjamin Parks, of Hickman, and Matthew Weston, of Firth, graduated with distinction from the Milford campus of Southeast Community College on December 14, 2007. To graduate with distinction, they had to maintain a 3.75 or higher cumulative grade point average while enrolled in their respective programs. Parks graduBen Parks Matt Weston ated in Manufacturing Engineering Technology, and Weston graduated in Electronic Engineering Technology. SOUTHEAST COMMUNITY COLLEGE-LINCOLN Southeast Community CollegeLincoln campus held its fall quarter graduation on Saturday, December 15. The ceremony was held in the Activities Center on the Lincoln campus. Graduates from this area are: Adams: Kurt Andrew Little, Associate of Applied Science Degree, Business Administration, Marketing Hickman: Caleb Thomas Crippen, Associate of Applied Science Degree, Visual Publications Buick. Beyond Precision New & Used Vehicles Certified GM Service Department 335-3348 1-800-322-0 1 56 1-800-322-01 Downtown Tecumseh www.brinkmansgm.com When it comes to insurance, our service is really worth tracking down. Our team of insurance professionals can help you find the right insurance for your needs - auto, homeowner’s, recreational vehicles, business - almost anything. Call Dave Hall 828-3210 COUNTRYSIDE AGENCY, LLC Unadilla - Palmyra 828-3210 Located in the Countryside Bank, Unadilla Second semester looks like it will be just as busy if not more so than the first. A quick glimpse of things to come this month include: a state standards math PEER review, Pioneer Conference instrumental music, Winter Ball, MUDECAS speech, state writing assessment, and several Junior High and high school basketball games. These activities keep students, parents and teachers busy not only in the month of January but throughout the year. We appreciate you efforts and cooperation in helping us wade through these activities. A quick reminder concerning attendance. Each student is allowed to miss nine periods per semester. These absences include: illness, death in the immediate family, bad roads in stormy weather (country students only), or an absence previously honored by the Principal. Doctor or dentist appointments and absences approved by the Principal will be considered excused. Any time in which a student is gone from school due to a school activity or on a college visit, will not against the nine periods missed. Students attending activities in which Sterling is not involved or in which Sterling is involved but they are not participating will count against the nine period limitations. A student will be given the opportunity to make up time without loss of credit by spending fifty minutes before or after school for each class missed over the limit. Please help us in enforcing this policy by carefully considering each absence for your child. If you have not yet received your password to access your child(s) grades through the internet, please contact the school and get your password from Mrs. Shea. This is an excellent way to keep updated on your child’s progress and to check for late or missed assignments. We still have openings for anyone interested in helping take tickets for basketball games. If you are interested please call the office and talk with Cheri. We appreciate the help we have received for football, volleyball, and basketball to date. SOUTH DAKOTA STATE UNIVERSITY Graduation A total of 449 students received diplomas from South Dakota State University in Brookings during the fall commencement held December 15. Among the graduates was Timothy John Boender with a Bachelor of Science degree in Arts and Science. He is the son of Dave and Vera Boender, of Hickman. Nick Davis (middle), a seventh grade student at Norris Middle School, won the school-level competition of the National Geographic Bee on January 4, and he now has a chance at a $25,000 college scholarship. Sixth grader James Preston (left) placed second, and his classmate Jacob Lambert (right), earned third place in the Norris Middle School National Geographic Bee. The school-level Bee, at which students answered oral questions on geography, was the first round in the 20th annual National Geographic Bee. The Bee is sponsored by the National Geographic Society. Davis also took a written test. Up to 100 of the top scorers on that test in Nebraska will be eligible to compete in the Nebraska Bee on April 4, 2008. Photo submitted BENNET SCHOOL Maahs Family Project The Character Counts Committee, Bennet Elementary and Palmyra Junior-Senior High School are continuing a caring project. On January 3, Dan and Tiffany Maahs, of Palmyra, lost their home to a fire. They have a kindergartner at Bennet Elementary and two younger children. If you would like to help, there are cash donation jars in the elementary lunchroom and the Palmyra JuniorSenior High School until January 18. There is also an account set up at Union Bank called the Maahs Family Donation Account. If you can help out, call the school at 782-3535. We are a caring school and a caring community. Character Counts! NEBRASKA WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY Awards Degrees Seventy-two students were awarded degrees in December from Nebraska Wesleyan University. Those who graduated with honors are listed as highest distinction (3.93 or higher grade point average); high distinction (3.86-3.92 grade point average); and distinction (3.803.85 grade point average). Graduates from this area are: Bachelor of Arts Bennet: Jennifer Mae Ahlm, English Firth: Cody James Waite, English Bachelor of Science Firth: Hannah Linn Helmink, Special Education, Elementary Education Bachelor of Science in Nursing Playground Pals Adams: Kelsi Elaine Rainforth, Playground Pals for the week of Nursing January 11 are: Eathan Hornby, KP; Serenity Olson, 1M; Riley Dillon, 2S; SOUTHEAST Kacey Phillips, 3B; Jacob Myers, 4S; COMMUNITY COLLEGE Kelsie Bremer, 5B; and Morgan Leif, 6L. CENTRAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE EMS Leadership Conference Eighty individuals attended the fourth annual Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Leadership Conference December 14-15 in Columbus. Attending from this area were: Firth: Leo Benes Palmyra: Todd Gilkison Participants had the opportunity to learn how to build media relations, administer employee surveys, understand generational differences, use the Meyers-Briggs tool for personnel evaluations, distinguish ethical practice from moral practice, and calculate the cost of mismanaged stress. The conference was sponsored by Central Community College-Columbus, Nebraska Health and Human Services’ EMS/Trauma Program, and Professional Ambulance Association of Nebraska. Dean’s List Southeast Community College, Beatrice, Lincoln and Milford, announce the Dean’s List for the fall quarter ending December 14, 2007. Students from this area are: Adams: Tyler Buss, Associate of Arts; Joselyn Gumm, Associate of Arts; Lynette Pella, Practical Nursing Bennet: Katherine Hagaman, Associate of Arts; Amber Lemke, Associate of Arts; Blake Meyers, Undeclared Firth: Jennifer Lee, Practical Nursing Hallam: Myndee Ebbers, Agriculture Business & Management Technology; Victoria Polak, Business Administration; Jenna Taylor, Associate of Arts Hickman: Hannah Merrett, Associate of Arts; Kari Smith, Undeclared Martell: Trevor Wagner, Agriculture Business & Management Technology Roca: Benjamin Weber, Heating, Ventilation, AC, Refrigeration Technology VOICE NEWS, Thursday, January 17, 2008 - Page 11 Norris Elementary kids Strut a whole lot of Stuff During the first week of January, the Norris Elementary students had “Strut Your Stuff Day” in Annette Mitchell’s music class. Students in first grade through fourth grade had the opportunity to share a musical presentation with their classmates, and everything was heard, from Smoke on the Water on guitar to Jingle Bells on kazoo, spoons and tambourine. Some magic tricks and rock’n’roll karate even made it to the stage. Second grader Marcus Kennedy played a piece on the piano. Alex Colgan played a whole new take on Jingle Bells. The charming first grader employed his skills on kazoo, spoons and tambourine to lift everyone’s spirits. Photos by Annette Mitchell Second grader Carson Ellerbrake crooned Don’t Blink. At right, Hayden Moss, second grade, played Go Tell Aunt Rhody on his violin. Photos submitted (Left) First grader Loralee Schroeder sang a lovely tune for her classmates. Hearing aids have always been known for their high pricing ! s i - we intend to change that! h T r a e H CUSTOM SERIES FULL SHELL ONLY $350 Analog Introducing a new line of economy hearing systems at VERY AFFORDABLE PRICING! Prices start as low as $350 each for analog. Custom made and fit for in the ear and over the ear, priced according to size. These digital hearing systems all come with a 3 year warranty for this special, only January 21st - 25th • FREE Hearing Test • FREE Audioscope check of ears - see for yourself if you have wax • Reasonable pricing in today’s inflated economy • Several other brands are also available. ASK ABOUT SATISFACTION GUARANTEED Financing Available MEMBER SOUTHERN NEBRASKA \ H 0% INTEREST FOR 3 MONTHS with approved credit. Some restrictions apply. See store for details Firs Cus t 20 wi t h t o m e h w i l ear i ng r s 3 YE AR l receiveloss W & 1 ARRAN FRE Year TY E B a - wi th p tterie urch as s e Call 474-4327 or 800-927-7128 Call today to make an appointment for this special event! Payne’s Hearing Professionals 4949 N. 26th St. • Lincoln, NE “Where our concern is your hearing” Since 1991 Page 12 - VOICE NEWS, Thursday, January 17, 2008 Sprague-Martell Soup Supper brings people seeking warm food, comfort in cold winter Loyd Heusinkvelt, of Sprague, served soup to and conversed with Ron Oelling, who farms near Sprague, January 13 at the Sprague-Martell Soup Supper. Tabled Below, Luana Sullivan, along with Truman and Frances Lauterbach, all of Sprague, had a good time socializing with family and friends while they ate their soup. Many people showed up to the local community center to enjoy good soup, homemade cinnamon rolls and a variety of drinks, as well as to get out of the cold weather. Linda Harms, of Martell, wasn’t surprised her children - Luke, Emily and Ben - liked the food at the soup supper. Photos by Mark Mahoney Today, I reveal our dirty little secret. Any rancher with testosterone flowing in his veins will deny ever having had a relationship with one. Out in ranch country, they command about as much respect as a substitute teacher. They are as popular as ringworm and even more unsightly. Of course, I am speaking of calf tables. For those of you who don’t have any idea what I’m talking about, let me educate you. Calf tables are a device with which you can tip a calf on its side to brand and vaccinate. To own a calf table, or ever having made the acquaintance of one, indicates that you are a wuss, a wimp and a terrible roper. If you have EVER used one it’s a good indication that you probably have also worn Birkenstocks, watched HGTV and have gone to a spa retreat to get in touch with your sensitive side. Real men, and real women, rope their calves and stretch them on the ground. They never table them! Any cattleman worth his Wranglers will tell you that calf tables are as dangerous as four-week-old potato salad and are more worthless than a losing lottery ticket. Real ranchers say it’s faster to work cattle with a rope than a table. If your neighbors ever knew in advance you planned on using one, they wouldn’t come to your branding. Using a table is even worse than serving chicken at your branding. Even now there are ranchers reading this essay who will deny ever having heard of such a ghastly device. Having said all that, I must admit I own one. Go ahead, call me a mama’s boy. I’ll hasten to add that the table came with a ranch we leased. I’m not proud that my wife and I have worked a few calves on the table when extra help was not available. Well, okay, maybe we branded an entire calf crop that way once, but it was only because of scheduling issues. I hate to admit this, but I found the table to be handier than a front pocket and it didn’t eat nearly as much food as a branding crew would have. In admitting my sins at least I don’t hide the fact that I’ve used a table, unlike other girly-men now reading this little essay with a sense of shame. You know who you are! I also admit that when I showed up at the ranch one day and saw my calf table was missing I was more upset than I should’ve been. At first I thought someone hid it as a joke, but after two months I came to the conclusion that some low-life wanted a table and wasn’t man enough to go to the Farm Supply and buy one. So he stole mine. I’d nearly forgotten about the table when I showed up at Wish Bone’s branding. (We call him Wish Bone because he looks like two long legs with a head on top.) I was working the ground crew when I noticed a tarp was hiding something at the far end of the corral. I worked my way over to the spot and, presto, with a wave of my arms I lifted the tarp to unveil... my calf table! I knew it was mine because it was the same color and tilted so that calves could be branded on their right side, just like mine. Right in the middle of that branding corral, I cussed Wish Bone for being a common thief and called him every name in the book. He just stood there stuttering as if he had a leather lip. Completely humiliated, he acted as if he had absolutely no idea how the calf table got under that tarp. The rest of the crew threw down their ropes, helped me load my calf table in my truck and then we all walked off the job. Using a calf table is bad enough but actually stealing one is worse than being a child molester. I took my table home and put it back in its rightful place in my corral. So you can imagine my surprise when a couple weeks later an anonymous caller left the following message on my answering machine: “Hey Lee, thanks for the use of your calf table. I would have asked to use it but I didn’t want word to spread that I stooped so low as to actually use one. You know how embarrassing that can be! Sorry I kept the table for so long. I dropped it back off at your corral and placed it next to the other one that was sitting there. What are you doing, collecting the darn things?” Attorney General Bruning announces nationwide agreement with MySpace Nebraska Attorney General Jon Bruning along with 49 other attorneys general announced an agreement with social networking site, MySpace, that enhances online safety. “The Internet landscape constantly changes. Predators go where the kids go,” Bruning said. “MySpace will develop new tools to stop them.” MySpace agreed to: · Develop age and identity verification technology · Allow parents to submit their children’s e-mail addresses so MySpace can prevent anyone using those addresses from setting up profiles · Make the default setting “private” for profiles of 16 and 17-yearolds · Promise to respond within 72 hours to inappropriate content complaints · Commit more staff and/or resources to review and classify photographs and discussion groups · Strengthen software identifying underage users The agreement comes after nearly two years of discussions between MySpace and the attorneys general. The states pushed MySpace for changes after sexual predators repeatedly used the site to victimize children. “Bottom line… people should be who they say they are. And, little kids shouldn’t be using the site,” Bruning said. Internet safety has been and continues to be a top priority for the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office. Over the last five years, the office: · Reached an agreement with Yahoo! that shut down 70,000 chat rooms frequented by sexual predators. · Worked with the legislature to create the offense of Online Enticement. · Passed cyberstalking legislation. LB 142 made it a felony for an adult to send sexually explicit material to a child under 16. · Increased penalties for the possession of child pornography – one to 20 years for the first offense. One to 50 years for each subsequent offense. · Hosted Websafe, an internet safety conference for local law enforcement and prosecutors, educational administrators, community officials and victim advocacy groups. · Launched www.safekids.gov, an Internet safety Web site. VOICE Hawk Fare... Beer compels man to go where no man has gone before A hawk spread his wings and took flight after a friendly visit with some roadside carrion. Photo by Linda Bryant Nebraska receives Federal Disaster Declaration following December storms Gov. Dave Heineman was notified that President George W. Bush and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) have approved the state’s request for a federal disaster declaration covering several southeast Nebraska counties. The governor requested the declaration on December 31, 2007, for damage done to public infrastructure by storms from December 10 to 12. The declaration includes the following eight counties: Gage, Jeffer- son, Johnson, Nemaha, Otoe, Pawnee, Richardson and Thayer. The declaration makes federal emergency funding available to state and local governments for emergency work and the repair or replacement of damaged public infrastructure. Estimates compiled by FEMA and officials with the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency put the damage caused by the December snow and ice storms at $3 million. Palmyra seventh grader fights leukemia for the second time In the summer before her sixth grade year, Brett Christian learned that she had leukemia. Brett spent July through October at Children’s hospital in Omaha undergoing treatment. While Brett watched her classmates go back to school, she was undergoing her first two rounds of chemotherapy, along with treatment for a fungal infection. She was able to come home that November, even though she had three more rounds of chemo ahead of her. Since the chemo weakened her muscles, Brett was in a wheelchair because couldn’t walk, but with physical therapy, Brett gradually improved her mobility. At the beginning of this school year, Brett was able enter the seventh grade with her peers and she even got to play volleyball. Unfortunately, this fall, Brett received another blow. The cancer was back with a vengeance. Since October, Brett has been spending most of her time back in the hos- Palmyra Eastern Star Palmyra Chapter #257 Order of the Eastern Star met in regular session on January 8. Installation of officers was held: Denise Knutson, worthy matron; Dewaine Knutson, worthy patron; Ruth Neeman, associate matron; Jack Stilwell, associate patron; Joyce Royal, conductress; Karen Saunders, associate conductress; Carole Lashley, secretary; Al French, treasurer, Chaplian; Virginia French, organist; Ann Crawford, Adah; Wilma Clem, Ruth; Cindy Cameron, Esther; Mary Lou Pickerill, Martha; Dorothea Schroeder, Electa, Argentina Erickson. The meeting was preceded by a covered dish dinner since the December meeting was not held because of the weather. Joyce Royal has been appointed a supervisor for the coming year. Her daughter, Tricia, was a guest at the dinner. A donation of $25.00 was given to the Palmyra Post-Prom committee. NEWS, Thursday, January 17, 2008 - Page 13 pital in Omaha, where she is now going through yet another round of chemo. Brett’s mom said that although chemo will help, a bone marrow transplant is a necessity. All of her family members have been tested with no match. This has put a huge financial burden on the family. Brett’s teachers have decided to hold a silent auction fund-raiser to try and help with some of the medical expenses. On Tuesday, January 15, during the boys basketball game at Palmyra High School, bids were taken on donated items from local businesses. There were also donated hours of labor from the administrators at the high school. If you couldn’t attend the auction and would like to donate, contact Penny at Palmyra High School, 780-5327. It’s time for “Guys In Science,” the feature in which we report on the heroic efforts of guys, using scientific knowledge, to explore, and exceed, the limits of common sense. We begin with this IMPORTANT SAFETY ADVISORY: The activities described here are very dangerous. These activities were engaged in by expert guys with specialized experience in such fields as physics and accordion repair. Do NOT attempt any of these activities unless you have a signed statement from a medical doctor certifying that, in his professional opinion, you are a moron who deserves to die. Do not even READ this column without safety goggles. Our first guy is Simon Hansen, of Auckland, New Zealand, where guys are called “blokes.” According to Simon’s Web site (http:// www.asciimation.co.nz/beer/), brought to my attention by many alert guy readers, Simon was in his garage, when he realized that he had a very serious guy problem: His beer was warm. Now, many people, faced with this problem, would solve it via some low-tech, unscientific method such as putting the beer on ice, or in a refrigerator. But Simon Hansen is not “many people.” He decided to cool his beer by — I am not making this up — building a jet engine. He welded it together, largely from automobile parts, right there in his garage. To understand how a jet engine could make beer cold, you need to know something about physics. Fortunately, I studied physics under the legendary Mr. Heideman at Pleasantville High School. Unfortunately, we frittered away our time studying such topics as the fulcrum, and never got to the part about cooling beer with a jet engine. But if I follow Simon’s explanation, the whole purpose of his engine is to suck the fuel — liquid petroleum gas — very rapidly out of a fuel tank. For some reason, possibly involving molecules, this rapid sucking action — in addition to being a good name for a rock band — causes the fuel tank to get very cold. So when Simon wants to chill a can of beer, he simply puts it into a tub of water, puts the fuel tank into the tub, fires up his jet engine, and, voila, he is deaf. That’s because his engine has a noise level of 125 decibels. To give you an idea what that means: If you were exposed to that many decibels, at close range and without ear protection, you would be sitting in my son’s car. So, yes, it’s noisy. But there’s an old saying among scientific guys: “You can’t make an omelet without breaking eggs, ideally by dropping a cement truck on them from a crane.” The bottom line is this: When Simon ran his jet engine, his beer-can temperature decreased from 11 degrees C to 2 degrees C in just five minutes. This is very impressive, and would be even more so if we knew what a “C” was. The important thing is that this guy, using science, has found a new, innovative and — above all — loud way to cool beer. Perhaps this will inspire other guys to come up with an even MORE scientific method, St. Martin Altar Society St. Martin Altar Society met on Sunday, January 13, after the 9 a.m. Mass with 11 members attending. President Bette Moller presided and thanked those who did the Christmas decorations at the Church. Cindy Smith reported on the surplices she is making for the altar boys and the altar cloths for the church. She had a surplice almost completed which she showed to the ladies. Thank you cards were read from Msgr. Holliman, Pink Sisters, TV Mass, Birthright, and Family Planning. Candace Griswold and Monica Milana are making up a prayer chain for the group. A Mass will be said for Mike Milana’s father who died recently. Suggestions were made for celebrating World Marriage Day on Sunday, February 10. It was decided to have a wedding cake after Mass instead of the usual rolls and coffee. There will be decorations and nuts like a reception after a wedding. The date of the annual soup dinner will be held on March 2, instead of the third Sunday of March, because of the early Easter this year. Valentines for the sick and elderly will be made by the Connelly children. Cindy Smith was appointed chairman for the Church Organization Commission. Julie Hartman has donated six children’s books to the Douglas library. such as shooting beer cans into outer space, or sending them backward in time to the Ice Age. That’s how your major scientific discoveries are made, and that’s why, in the interest of progress, it is so very important, when a guy is in his garage, never to interrupt him with petty requests that he mow the lawn, take out the garbage, go to his wedding, etc. For our other example of Guys in Science, we go to San Francisco, where a guy named Kimric Smythe — who makes his living in the field of accordion sales and repair — recently attached several ordinary household vacuum cleaners to a propane fuel line, then turned them on. As you have no doubt realized, he had a scientific reason for doing this: To see what happens. It turns out that what happens is very bad for the vacuum cleaners. I have some photographs of the experiment sent to me by Kimric’s proud father, Bill Smythe. Some of the vacuum cleaners briefly transform into rockets, but pretty soon, as Kimric informed me in a telephone interview, they tend to suffer a major appliance malfunction, sometimes involving shrapnel. This is an important experiment, because it proves, scientifically, that it would be a big mistake, no matter how tempting it may be, for us to try to build rockets using vacuum cleaners powered by propane. Somebody should tell NASA immediately. Maybe you could do that, OK? I’m going to have a cold one. (c) 2008 The Miami Herald Distributed by Tribune Media Services, Inc. Palmyra Presbyterian Women The Palmyra Presbyterian Women met in the social hall of the church on Wednesday, January 9. Hostess and lesson leader for the day was Jackie Bremer. The lesson “God’s Extravagant Grace” from the Horizons Bible Study was from the book of Jonah. The lesson of the Least Coin was given by Winnie Dowding and the Least Coin offering was taken. A business meeting was led by Moderator Jackie Bremer. It was reported by the secretary and treasurer that the annual reports were finished for the annual meeting to be held on Sunday, January 13. A dessert was served and fellowship followed the meeting. The next meeting will be held February 13 at the church. When the weather outside is frightful, the ride is so delightful... Luxury Limousine Service serving Lincoln and southeast Nebraska Now booking for GValentine’s Day, prom and all occasions. GExecutive Sedans: Lincoln T/C, Chry. 300, Cad. Escalade ESV G10 passenger stretch limo G14 passenger stretch limos: Ford Excursion, Chevy Suburban, H2 Hummer 1-888-546-6901 or 269-3737 Page 14 - VOICE NEWS, Thursday, January 17, 2008 Homeward Bound serenades Haven Manor Voices From The Past 10 and 20 Years Ago By Jan Kroese January 14, 1988 A fire destroyed the trailer home of Ricky and Marilyn Roach, of Hickman. In Cortland, firefighters were called to the residence of Wilfred DeVries to extinguish a barn fire. A suspect was arrested in the Palmyra weapons theft case. The Holland Seventh-day Adventist Church’s Elementary School opened in a new building. Addie Turnbull, of Hallam, was the featured Cook of the Week. Births: David and Susan Adams, of Peru, a girl, Margaret Susan, born December 31; Russell and Karen Topp, of Adams, a boy, Jonathan Dean, born January 6; Kendell and DeAnne (Wagner) Weber, a boy, Benjamin Scott, born January 9; Vince and Denise (Wissel) Metzner, Falls City, a girl, Cassandra Lynn, born January 3. Rick Essink, son of Ron and Karen Essink, and Jeff Van Engen, son of Floyd and Bonnie Van Engen, were received into the membership of the Pella Reformed Church. Obituaries: Leonard Rader, 62, Roca; Bertha Brendle, rural Hickman; Emma Hansel, 89, formerly of Firth; Carl Spurgin, 81, Hickman. Matthew Joseph Conway, infant son of Kevin and Nancy Conway, was baptized at the Firth Reformed Church. A baby shower was held for Mrs. Kendall (Lola Doeschot) Schlake near Jansen. Sandy Underwood, of Palmyra, received a check of $500 for winning “Employee Participation and Incentive Cooperative” from the Outboard Machine Cooperation in Lincoln. Anniversary: Walter and Faye Wusk, of Adams, 50th. January 16, 1998 Three rural Crete teens were arraigned on felony criminal mischief charges in the shooting of cattle in the area. Lois Baker, of Roca, was recognized for 25 years as a volunteer weather observer by the National Weather Service. Better Halves Club Palmyra Better Halves Club met on Tuesday, January 8, with Kathee Landwehr as hostess at the Palmyra Senior Center for lunch. The group’s project for the day was to make a blanket for each one of Dan and Tiffany Maahs’ children, who lost everything in a Palmyra house fire recently. They were delivered to the children at their grandparents’ home, where they are spending their time. Ladies attending the meeting were Verle Schroder, Karin Chaffin, Karen Dovel, Patty Ostrander, Bertha Malone, Doris Lathrom, Wilma Clem and Helen Royal. Area volunteer fire departments were looking for a few good men and women. Obituaries: William Beasterfeld, 65, Walton; David Paulsen, 43, Hickman; Susan Fisher, 84, Lincoln; Marvin Volf, 61, Hickman; Mabel Olson, 94, Hickman; Harvey Zimmerman, 71, Beatrice; Harold Kuening, 56, Seward; Heye Oltman, 88, formerly Firth. Births: Michael and Carla (Topp) Anderson, Chandler, Arizona, a girl, Avery Michaela, born December 31; Robert and Lucinda (TenHulzen) Gould, Dorchester, a boy, B.J. Leon, born January 10. Neighbors from near and far, old and new, assisted in a dream coming true for the Doris Gunn family. They moved into a Habitat for Humanity The A Cappella singing group “Homeward Bound” entertained the residents of Haven Manor in Hickman on Friday, January 11. From left: Chuck Dorsey, Mike Going and Don Handy sang home in Roca. Wedding: Stacey Stolzer and rousing renditions of classic hymns to the dinnertime crowd. Thomas Slama, August 23, Capitol City Christian Church, Lincoln. Auction: Monte Bohmont Estate, Martell. FIRTH Thelma DeYong 791-2130 e-mail [email protected] Firth Reformed Church ordained and installed Ray Mulder to the office of Elder and Jeff Morrison to the office of Deacon on Sunday morning. Doug Wieskamp was installed to the office as Elder and Dan James was installed to the office of Deacon. On Monday morning, Johanna Hesser, of Firth, heard her calendar number on the KFOR radio station and called in to win $100 in cash and financial services. What a nice way to begin your week. The Senior Diners celebrated January birthdays on Monday. Hilda Jenny Armstrong thoroughly enjoyed the food, Jacobsen decorated the birthday table but was even more excited for the music. Glenn Wissink kicked back in his chair and with “Happy New Year” as the theme. listened as “Homeward Bound” performed. Those celebrating in January are Ruth Bouma, 4th; Dorothy Mulder, 5th; Marcie Klein, 14th; Boots Wissink, 24th; and Greta McMullen, 27th. Marcie and Greta were present for the celebration. The group enjoyed playing bingo after lunch. Next week, the center will be closed in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Other birthdays celebrated in the area: Ann Weber, January 13; Bonita Gana and Jean TenHulzen, January 17; Marge Klein and Barbara Verbeek, January 19; and Marvin Docter, January 21. Anniversaries coming up are Bruce and Deb Docter on January 16 and Don and Berdene Kallemeyn on January 23. The Kallemeyns will be observing 66 years of marriage. Wow! Designer Gowns Without Designer Prices! Huge Savings on hundreds of gowns 30-75% OFF original prices Enjoy everyday savings on your favorite designers including: Anjolique, Christina Wu, Demetrios, Jim Hjelm, Pronovias, Mon Cheri, Maggie Sottero, Symphony, Allure, and many MORE! JoAnn Scott clapped after hearing one of her Dave Hanson sang into his microphone, favorite hymns. Photos by Logan Seacrest handling the bass section of the quartet. Palmyra Mother’s Club Clock Tower Center 70th & A St. - Lincoln 489-7771 Thursday 1 - 8 p.m. Fridays & Saturdays 10 - 6 and by appointment The Palmyra Mother’s Club met on Thursday, January 10, at the home of Mildred Wheatley. The group answered roll call with a joke or riddle. Mildred gave them a quiz on the penny by asking questions as to what could be found on the penny. Those in attendance were Patty Ostrander, Kathee Landwehr, Winnie Dowding and Bertha Malone. The February meeting will be held at the home of Alma Schroder. VOICE NEWS, Thursday, January 17, 2008 - Page 15 Ficken-Castellano married in October Philippians 3:1-16 Occasionally, we hear the sentiment: “It’s not the destination, it’s the journey.” While I agree that the journey is important, most of the time we set out on a journey with a destination in mind. The destination is important too! If one wants to plan an aimless, directionless journey, that’s fine. However, this is usually the exception. Even as we journey through life, we set our sights on various destination points. Some examples are: college, marriage, career and income. The journey to these various destinations is to be valued, but each journey seeks to arrive somewhere meaningful. Our society is full of people who are energetically pursuing many things. This frantic pursuit, it is hoped, will provide happiness and meaning in life. It is expected that the journey toward fulfillment can be achieved by our hard work and fast-paced living. It is interesting that if we are successful in attaining those things we think will make life great, eventually those achievements fade and are replaced by some other “hunger.” Human beings are on a journey for meaning and hope. Ironically, hope and meaning cannot be based upon our achievements, as great as they may be. To be concerned only with this life’s achievements will always lead to emptiness and hopelessness. The things of this life are always subject to loss and decay. Tragedy and calamity can quickly wipe out hard earned achievements. What is the hope of the heart? The power of Christian hope is that life’s journey includes a destination. It is this destination that makes the journey meaningful. For many, life is spent running without a clear sense of direction. Many never find a place where the heart, or spirit, can find rest and hope. Saul, who became the Apostle Paul, thought he had the world by the tail. He had status, he had achievement. But his life was trapped and limited in the present. He was on a journey to nowhere. All of that changed when he encountered Jesus Christ. All of his past achievements lost their value. He discovered a new direction for his life. The future motivated his present! He concluded that his past successes only led to a dead end: “But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as refuse, in order that I may gain Christ. I press on because Christ Jesus has made me his own.” This is the hope and certainty of the heart. Paul “presses on,” or journeys forth, because his destination is grounded in Christ The destination brings clarity of direction and motivation into the present In the summer of 1990, I did a unit of Clinical Pastoral Education. This took place through the pastoral care department of a hospital. One of my assigned areas was skilled nursing. It consisted of long term elderly patients. Two people vividly stand out in my memory. The first person was an elderly man. He was trapped in the memories of what had been, and what might have been. These memories confined him in a place of anger and bitterness. He vehemently resisted any talk of God. He had no tomorrow to live for. There was no meaningful destination to give meaning to his days. He existence was empty and hollow. The other person was an elderly lady. Her present journey consisted of sores and pain. The present didn’t look too bright. Yet, she was a follower of Christ, and she knew her destination! When I would pray with her, at every pause, her verbal response was “thank you, Jesus!” This was a woman of God who could endure her journey because she knew her destination! This was a woman who was well, even though she was sick. How you journey, and what you make of the journey, is affected by your destination or lack thereof. I trust you are enjoying the journey because you know your destination! Casi Ficken, of Covina, California, and Jeovany Castellano, of Azusa, California, were married on the lawn of the Lindley-Scott House in Azusa on October 7, 2007. Casi is the daughter of Martin and Shari Ficken, of Bennet, and the granddaughter of Artha Ficken, of Davenport, and Dorothy Keuten, of Grant. Parents of the groom are Pablo and Margarita Castellano. Matron of Honor was Robin Mathis; Bridesmaid was Wendy Morrissey, of Lincoln; Best Man was Eric Estep, of Azusa, California; Groomsman was Daniel Garica, of Azusa; Ring Bearer was Gabriel Castellano; Flower Girl was Madelyn Castellano; and Ushers were Marty Ficken, of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and Joe Ficken, of Emmetsburg, Iowa. The newlyweds took a wedding trip to St. Lucia, and now reside in Covina, California. FIRTH CORTLAND Maxine Pfeiffer • 798-7665 Stephanie Blackfort, of Logan, Iowa, spent Monday night and Tuesday with Alice DeVries. Eliese Esponisa, of Colorado, is spending several days with her mother, Lola Spidell, and family. They ate at the local cafe Sunday at noon, and in the evening, Eliese, Lola, Frieda Rose and Jane Hetrick went to Lincoln. Eliese returned home Tuesday. Lynn and Marion Jones, of Beatrice, and Heye and Betty Lou Parde went to Crete Sunday and spent several hours visiting Ryan Agena. Ryan took them out to eat in the evening for a belated birthday for Lynn. Correction: Elaine Monroe spent three days in the hospital. Leon and Phyllis Deunk and Harlan Wallman attended the American Legion and Auxiliary Midwest Conference in Grand Island January 11-13. They heard many interesting speakers, including the national auxiliary president and a national vice commander. Sunday visitors of Maxine Pfeiffer were Dave and Janis Steward. In the evening, Tim and Susan Young visited. Branch and Marilynn DeVries, Joshua and Jacob, spent several days in Colorado skiing. With all the colds and coughs going around, consider yourself lucky if you don’t get one. ADAMS Marlene Bell • 988-4585 Interim Pastor Randy Blumer Ruth Hibbert spent three days at the Holland Reformed Church home of Larry and Nadine Hibbert, south of Beatrice. They attended church on Christmas Eve and Christmas morning. They enjoyed a 30-minute synchronized Christmas musical display on Christmas Eve in Beatrice. The rest of the Hibbert Marilyn Schreiner family, James and Sheri, and all the 782-2965 grandchildren, joined them on WednesThe sun may be shining brightly, losses in a month’s span. day for their Christmas celebration. but that air is sure cold and they are Condolences to the family of Harvey Clarence Hornby also passed away forecasting more cold temperatures last week. He had Bennet ties with Bruns, 79, of Cook, who passed away all week. At least most of the ice is the American Legion Post of Bennet. on January 6. He is survived by his wife, gone and we haven’t had the big His services were held Saturday at the three daughters, two granddaughters, storms other parts of the country Trinity Lutheran Church, north of and two sisters, one of which is Bernice have had. We are still very lucky in Bennet. Hale, of Adams. He grew up in the our little town of Bennet. The S.A.L. (Sons of the American Pickrell area. His parents were Eilert and Last weekend, Ralph and Phyllis Legion Squadron 280) first pitch tour- Almina (Wolken) Bruns. Steward spent time at Steve and nament of the new year was held on Ruth Hibbert spent January 6-8 with Lisa Steward’s home in Lexington. Saturday evening at the Legion Hall in her sister, Betty and Alvin Wilken, in LinThey also visited with Phyllis’s sis- Bennet. There were 55 teams partici- coln just being together. ter and husband, Eilene and Hugh pating. The age span of the players was Congratulations to Darren and Darcy Rath. from 14 to 92 years old, with Gerald (Baehr) Meinke, of Crete, on the birth On Friday, family and friends Dowding being the oldest one there. of a daughter on January 10. She joins gathered to say farewell to Stella First-place winners were Dick and two sisters. James and Sandra Baehr, of Maye Ehlers, who passed away last Jane Malone, from Palmyra; sec- Adams, are the maternal grandparents. week. Services were held at the ond-place winners were Rick Spencer and April Behrens and famCountry Bible Church south of Ben- Torres, from Eagle, and Ken ily and Jamison Wallman were Friday net on Friday. The Ehlers family is Doeden, from Waverly; and third- visitors at the home of Marie Schoen on well known in our area and has place winners were Ron Morrison, her 83rd birthday. Attending a dinner at participated in many activities. Our from Lincoln, and Kevin Heidtbrink, a Lincoln restaurant Saturday at noon thoughts and prayers are with the from Bennet. were Marie Schoen, Doreen Wallman, family. The Bennet Community Church had Laura Fikar and Madison, Calvin and Our thoughts and prayers are with a nice-sized crowd on Sunday. Jean Linda VanEngen, Matthew, Katie and the family of Myron Schroder, who Bouse Gee was celebrating her Clayton, Arron and Kelly Sand, (Melpassed away this week. Services for birthday, so everyone sang “Happy issa was working at the hospital and unMyron were held Saturday at the Beau- Birthday” to her. able to attend), Marshall and Stephanie tiful Savior Church in Palmyra. His Quote for the week - All people Behrens, and Grant Behrens. Lavon wife, Marilyn, passed away on De- smile in the same language. Share one Behrens and Terry Pittman called from cember 27, so that family has had two of yours with someone who needs one! Florida. BENNET The Church Directory American Lutheran Church ELCA Reformed Church of Firth 601 Ash Streeet, Adams Pastor John Brink (402) 988-4445 Sunday Worship at 9:30 a.m. Sunday School at 10:35 a.m. Sunday Worship Sprague Community Church 18800 Market Street, Sprague (402-794-4835) Sunday Worship 9 a.m. Sunday School 10:15 Keith Morris, Pastor St. James Catholic Church Father Leo Seiker Cortland, NE • 798-7335 Sunday Mass 8:00 a.m. & 10:30 a.m. Confessions before Sunday Mass Firth, NE • 402-791-5800 9:15 a.m. Wed.7:00-8:15 p.m. Prayer Meetings, God’s Kids Club and 4JC Hickman Presbyterian Church 300 E. Third, Hickman, NE 402-792-2800 Sunday School 9:15 a.m. Sunday Worship 10:30 a.m. Rev. Robert Field, Pastor Faith of Our Fa thers Fathers Lutheran Chur ch Church Missouri Synod - www.foofchurch.org Locust & E St., Roca NE 421-2222 Sunday Worship Service 9:00 a.m. Sun. School & Bible Study 10:15 a.m. Small Church, Big Family Bennet Community Church Pella Reformed Church Evangelical Free Church of Firth HOLLAND SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Sunday Worship 10:30 a.m Pastor Darin Corder ~ 782-2385 Sunday School: 9:00 a.m. Sunday Worship: 10:15 a.m. AWANA, Wed.: 7-8:30 p.m. 3rd & Nemaha ~ Firth 791-5598 Hwy. 43 & Pella Road 402-788-2729 Worship 9:30 a.m. & 6:30 p.m Sunday School 10:45 a.m. Rev. Terry Muller A Place of Refuge —Ps. 2:12b 22315 SOUTH 96TH STREET Holland, Nebr. • 792-2571 Pastor Robert Martinez Worship Sat. 9 a.m. Sabbath School 10:30 a.m. Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, ELCA St . John E v angelical Ev Sundays- 8:30 a.m. Traditional Worship 9:45 a.m. Sunday School Ed. Class 11 a.m. Celebration Worship Wed. - 7:15 p.m. Worship 8 p.m. Bible Study Worship Service at 10:45 a.m. Sunday School at 10:00 a.m. Lu ther an Luther theran Church 68th & Panama Rd., Hickman Corner of 1st & Hwy 77, Cortland, NE 402-792-2901 • Pastor Ron Drury Pastor Steven Kahrs • (402) 989-4775 Country Bible Church 148th at Roca Road, Bennet (402-782-8022) Service ~ 10:15 Sunday School ~ 9:00 HOLLAND REFORMED CHURCH 96th & Panama Rd • Holland Interim Pastor - Randy Blumer Sunday Worship 9:30 a.m. Sunday School 10:45 Wednesday Night Supper - 5:30 - 6:10 - freewill offering God’s Kids Club 6:10 - 7:30 (3yrs - 8th Gr) Adult Bible Study 6:10 - 7:30 p.m. Hallam United Methodist Church 500 Main St. • 784-2008 Pastor Mark Nikont Woship 9:30 a.m. Sunday School 10:30 a.m. VOICE A Church Directory ad this size is available for $7.50 per week. If you have questions or need further information call: (402) 792-2255 • (402) 782-6060 Bible Class- Alternating Thurs. Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church 955 C St • Palmyra 402-780-5668 Pastor Brenda Pfeifly Service - 10:00 a.m./Sun. School 8:45 a.m. Join us in the Most Holy Sacrifice of the Mass! St. Leo Catholic Church Fr. Christopher Barak, pastor 330 W. 8th/Palmyra, NE Masses: 1st/3rd Sun. of month, 9 a.m.; Sat. Mass @ 6:00/alternating weekends. Confessions heard before Mass. Zion Lutheran Church Sunday School & Bible Classes 8:45 a.m. Sunday Worship 10 a.m. Holy Communion 1st, 3rd & 5th Sundays Christian Education - Wed. 5:30 - 7 p.m. 18219 S 80th Rd • 672-4325 7 miles east of Pickrell Heartland Community Church 307 Ford St., Filley, NE Pastor Allen Harder Phone: 662-3380 Sunday School 9 a.m. Worship 10 a.m. Page 16 - VOICE NEWS, Thursday, January 17, 2008 Nebraska Agri-Business Association announces winners and directors at Exposition Moates is vice chairman Annual Industry Awards were announced Wednesday, January 16, in conjunction with the 50st Annual Nebraska Agri-Business Exposition and Convention of the Nebraska AgriBusiness Association at the Qwest Center, Omaha. The convention and trade show opened on Wednesday and continues through Thursday noon, which draws over 4,000 agricultural retailers and manufacturers throughout the Midwest. Speaking at the groups political action breakfast on Thursday morning was Senator Phil Erdman, chairman of the Legislature’s Agriculture Committee at the Hilton Hotel. Newly elected directors for the Association announced at the Awards Presentation were Tom Kohmetscher, Kugler Company, McCook, and Karl Hensley, Central Valley Ag, Elgin. Rick Bowie, Bowie Fertilizer, Miller, is Chairman of the Association; Bill Moates, CountrySide Coop, Firth, is Vice Chairman; and Bob Anderson is President of the 700member Association whose headquarters are in Lincoln. Winning the Education and Research Award of the Year was Dr. Dale Flowerday, DAL-MAR Consulting, Lincoln. Flowerday was cited for his years of work in educating ag retailers and certified crop advisers in Nebraska and across the United States. Awarded the Industry Person of the year was Karl Hensley, Central Valley Ag., Elgin. Hensley has made major contributions to the agri-business industry in Nebraska and nationally. The Government Official of the Year Award was presented to U.S. Senator Ben Nelson, Omaha. Nelson has been a leader on energy policy and for his leadership on Security Tax Credits for Ag Retailers. Winning the Water Guardian Award was Dean Edson, Executive Director of the Nebraska Association of Resource Districts, Lincoln. Edson has been a stalwart for water issues and agriculture in Nebraska and protecting Nebraska’s groundwater. Bob Hog, Midlands Business Journal of Omaha was awarded the Media Person of the Year. Hog’s expansion of agriculture reporting merited him the award. Rick Bowie, Bowie Fertilizer, Miller, was awarded the STEP Award, for going the extra step for the Industry in the State and Nationally. Carolyn Tipton reports that the collecting of clothing articles to help the Dan and Tiffany Maahs family has gone very well. The responses have been unbelievable, and most of the things collected are either in great condition or new. They do not need any more clothing articles or toys, but household items can still be donated. They have gotten responses not only from this area, but also from many nearby communities. The Maahs family has found a home in Bennet. The Rev. Ray Meester, of the Heritage Presbyterian Church in Lincoln, was the guest speaker at the Palmyra Youth Club meeting Wednesday, January 9. He spoke about the deaf ministry at his church, the history of deaf education nationwide and in Nebraska, and the challenges for the deaf community. Following his presentation, Youth Club members played charades. On Sunday afternoon, Jacob Knutson, Justin Clem, Thomas Hall and Dustin Schroder attended a meeting in Syracuse for the upcoming Citizenship Washington Focus trip to Washington, D.C., in June 2008. Ice breaker games were played, an itinerary was shared and roommate assignments were discussed. PALMYRA tended the Boy Scout Troop 337 Court of Honor for Ryan Callahan in Syracuse. Dewaine, Denise and Sarah Knutson attended a benefit in Kansas for Dewaine’s cousin, Ronnie Montgomery. Ronnie had the misfortune of losing his hand in a farm accident. Jan Jones spent the weekend in Tecumseh visiting with her mother. Allen and Russ Jones were goose hunting in the Sandhills with some friends. The Nash Jensen American Legion Post 195 conducted the Military Rites at the memorial service for Myron Schroder on Saturday, January 12. Members taking part in the ceremony were Legionnaires Harry Chaffin, Jack Stilwell, Dean Speth and bugler Darrin Donavan. Exchange student Nora Tobies is returning to Germany. She has been a guest in the home of Doug and Char Church. Nora was a junior at Palmyra High School for the past semester. She has enjoyed her stay and the exposure to all of the activities available. She will remember the homecoming, the party group, the many activities, and the dedicated teachers who helped with daily activities. Doug and Char Church are great hosts and give exchange students a real taste of life in a rural American area. On Sunday morning, January 13, the United Methodist Church celebrated a self affirmation of baptism. Pastor Pat Norris led the children and adult members in conversations about baptism and conducted a Reaffirmation of Baptism ceremony. Ron and Sue Ringland and Warren and Carole Lashley attended three games of the MUDECAS Tournament in Beatrice this past week to watch their grandson, Dalton Ringland, play for the Palmyra Panthers basketball team. The boys finished third in the Class B division. DINING GUIDE Get out of the cold with hot treats and good eats! ANNUAL JANUARY BEEF MOUNTAIN OYSTER FEED 7 SAT. JAN. 19 5 - 9 P.M. $ .95 Reg. Menu also available BINGO EVERY SUN. 2 P.M. Kitchen open 5-9 p.m. Fri-Sun. Club Open 5-midnight Fri-Sun. DENTON LEGION CL UB CLUB 797-2535 Denton Bob and Pat Desh • 780-5821 [email protected] Dave Hall and Throben Dahlke attended a farewell party for several foreign exchange students who are heading back to Germany. Bob Beecham and Jan Dutton, of Lincoln, hosted an exchange student from Germany this past semester and opened their home for the farewell party. Ralph Arett returned home Saturday night from deer hunting in southern Nebraska with his brother-inlaw and cousin-in-law Tuesday. He did not bring home any deer to clean. Landis Rulla and Ruth Neeman went to a 70th birthday party for George Hunt at the new Sesostris Shrine Center in south Lincoln Friday night. It is a very nice building and Landis enjoyed seeing many of his good Shrine friends. On Sunday, the Palmyra Presbyterian congregation held their annual meeting following the church service. They then enjoyed a potluck dinner and fellowship together. Roger, Sally and Nate Smith at- 2008 Otoe County FCE contests The Otoe County Family and Community Education (F.C.E.) will host contests for third, fourth and fifth graders from the county. The themes for the contests are: Third grade- Poster theme is “How Recycling Helps To Improve Our Environment” Fourth grade- “Character Counts” Essay and Artwork theme is “Respect” Fifth grade- Creative Writing theme is “My Favorite Native Nebraskan Animal” Participants can include school students, home school students, Girl Scout Troops, Cub Scout Dens, and 4-H Clubs of the appropriate age level. There are specific requirements for these contests; for details, please contact Jackie Bremer, Contest Chair, at 402-780-5626. Presentation of the prizes will be held at the Otoe County FCE quarterly meeting on April 15, 2008; if you are a winner, you will be contacted. Redneck King and Queen begin their reign in Sterling The seventh annual Redneck Winter Ball was held January 12 and a new King and Queen were crowned at Scott’s Place in Sterling. Ranee Helmick and Chuck Wingert were the honored couple this year. The queen wore a lovely blue dotted dress with a white band and bow a little below the knee. She had on clean white long johns and her newest work boots. (Her momma always said she had trouble sitting “lady-like” so them long johns were a must!) Her long hair was braided and she wore two red Christmas bows on the ends that she stole from the stuffed deer at Scott’s. Chuck wore a tight sleeveless AC/DC T-shirt along with a cut-off shirt for warmth to show off his beer gut. They toasted with a jug of Git ‘R Done beer and drank the whole bottle without sharing with the other rednecks present. The honored couple partook in most of the Redneck games, including the Cheetos and cream toss, the chug and belch contest, the orange neckin’ pass, and the spoon and string relay race. A good time was had by all. Now I don’t care who ya are... that’s funny! Photo submitted DOUGLAS Catherine Zech 799-2495 Congratulations to the following Sterling students who received NSAA State Awards. These are recipients of the fall 2007 Academic All-State Awards, who were nominated by their school: football, Wade Hunt and Brandon Nieveen; volleyball, Kaylee Agena and Jamie Erickson; and One-Act Play production, Kaylee Agena and Wade Hunt. Catherine and Linda Zech attended a movie in Lincoln with Barb Leising, Cal and Ryenne on Saturday afternoon. Catherine Zech’s granddaughter, Ryenne, is playing basketball with a YMCA team in Lincoln this season. Barb Zech, her mother, is one of the coaches of the team. Good luck, Barb. Delton and Karen Dovel attended a musical program at the Berean Church in Lincoln on Sunday evening. It was put on by the Simple Grace Ministry, a family consisting of the parents and seven children. They played a variety of instruments, including guitar, violin, keyboard, mandolin, cello, etc. Their songs consisted mainly of traditional hymns. The oldest son has composed eight contemporary Christian rock hymns, which they did play during part of the program. A guest at the Senior Center dinner on Monday was Rose Splittgerber from Lincoln. Gerry Egger’s birthday was January 11. He has a daughter whose birthday is near that date and several friends with early January birthdays, so it has been just one birthday celebration after another for Gerry. Due to icy roads, Mary Klein was unable to leave her home from Christmas to the second week in January. She was missed at the Douglas Senior Center and they welcome her back. Lisa McCune and daughter, Rylie, from Lincoln, were visitors at the Ardys Brugman home on Sunday afternoon. Dorothy Sterns attended the Eastern Star Christmas dinner Tuesday evening. The dinner was postponed from the December meeting because of the weather. The regular meeting followed the dinner. On Sunday afternoon, Andy and Jenn Boell, Abby, Allie and Ashlyn, of Bennington, came to visit with Dorothy Sterns. Andy is Dorothy’s greatgrandson. The Boells were seeking information about family history. That led to an interesting afternoon of visiting and reminiscing. Andy is a teacher at Omaha Westside. The day of the Douglas Senior January birthday party started on a bad note. It was discovered that one of the furnaces in the Community Center was not working and with the kind of weather we have been having, that was not sufficient to keep the hall comfortable. Then the other furnace failed. So they did the best they could and although it was rather chilly, the McClellan Sisters went on with their program. The oldest girl was not with the sisters because she is getting married. And so there are only four of them now to carry on their program of gospel music and talks. They were wearing blue dresses with white snowflakes, which were really neat. Birthday honorees were Mabel Zink, Gerry Egger, Leo Miller, Mary Lou Miller and Roberta Bornemeier. Cakes were contributed by Catherine Zech, Roxann Laschanzky and the Palmyra Center. Clinton and Catherine Laschanzky and baby Hayden, of Lincoln, spent Saturday at the Greg Boldt and Roxann Laschanzky home. Panthers SPORTS VOICE Thursday, January 17, 2008-Page 17 MUDECAS CHAMPIONS! Jets capture their first championship since 1994 It took 14 years, but the Sterling boys basketball team found its way back to the top of the 79th Annual MUDECAS basketball tournament held in Beatrice. The Jets won the B division title this past Saturday, January 12, with a 47-35 win over top-seeded Johnson-Brock at the Beatrice Auditorium. The win marked the first MUDECAS championship for Sterling since 1994. The victory was especially sweet for the Jets coaches and players, who avenged an earlier road defeat of 55-50 to Johnson-Brock. “The whole week, I preached to the kids about taking steps. We took three steps and found a way to win the championship,” said head coach Jimmy Motz. “I challenged our kids to go out, swing away and find a way to win. They answered it. It shows the type of kids we have here at Sterling.” Zach Lempka and Jake Saathoff were honored with placement on the alltournament team. Lempka, a sophomore, scored 53 points in the three contests, while Saathoff scored 29 points, but more notably was the alltournament defensive presence. Sophomore guard Jese Salberg and senior forward D.J. Thiel gained honorable mention honors with their performances. After the tournament win, the Jets improved to 9-4 on the season. Meridian (quarterfinals) Sterling jumped out to a 19-8 lead in the first half and never looked back in its 75-54 quarterfinal win over Meridian. William Wirthele sparked the Jets offense early in the game, scoring six firstquarter points. The Jets’ lead grew to as much as 31 points in the half and they took a 45-20 halftime lead. “The key was to jump on them early and limit their opportunities shooting the basketball from beyond the arc,” Motz said. “They had four or five guys who could shoot the ball. We did a fabulous job of locating them and taking that away.” Lempka led the Jets with 18 points, while Wirthele and Saathoff scored 15 and 14 points apiece. D.J. Thiel and Klay Heusman each had eight points as well, as the Jets scored the most points as a team all season. “We moved the ball really well against their zone and we played together as a unit,” Motz said. “We played the game at our pace and when you dictate tempo, the game will swing in your favor.” Meridian- 8, 12, 12, 22 - 54 Sterling- 19, 26, 18, 12 - 75 S- Salberg three, K. Heusman eight, Saathoff 14, W. Wirthele 15, D. Heusman two, Lowmack five, Lempka 18, Thiel eight, Hunt two for them to score.” Pawnee City- 8, 7, 13, 15 - 43 Sterling- 12, 11, 13, 18 - 54 S- Salberg nine, Nieveen four, Saathoff nine, W. Wirthele six, D. Heusman two, Lempka 20, Thiel four Johnson-Brock (finals) It was defense that won Sterling the championship game of the 2008 MUDECAS B division. The Jets held Johnson-Brock to 35 points for the contest and held the Eagles to 31 percent shooting. Sterling never trailed in the contest, going ahead on the first possession of the game when Brandon Nieveen scored on a layup. The Jets held a 13-9 lead after the first quarter, but the Eagles cut it to 21-19 at halftime when Tyler DurantAllen scored as time expired. “You can’t give a team like that those chances,” said Motz. “That could have been a huge momentum swing, but our kids responded in the third quarter and didn’t let that affect them.” Sterling outscored Johnson-Brock 13-6 during the third frame, and 13-10 in the fourth quarter to secure the victory. Zach Lempka led the Jets in scoring with 15 points, while D.J. Thiel had 14 points and five steals. Thiel was six of seven from the field in the game. Brandon Nieveen added seven points in the win as well. “It was a total team effort for three games in this tournament,” said Motz. “These kids came out and you could see in their eyes they wanted to win. They got a taste of what it’s like and when you win, you want it more. I hope that they come back hungrier because we have a lot of ball left to play.” Motz was also happy with the turnout of the fans. “Our crowd was superb all week. It was fun to see them rally around our kids and give them the ovation they deserved when they walked off that floor Saturday night. The kids earned it with hard work and determination. I’m more proud of that than anything.” Sterling- 13, 8, 13, 13 - 47 Johnson-Brock- 9, 10, 6, 10 - 35 S- J. Wirthele one, Nieveen seven, Saathoff six, W. Wirthele two, Lempka 15, Thiel 14, Hunt two Sterling will host Lourdes Central Catholic, Saturday, January 19. VOICE NEWS Presenting the 2008 MUDECAS B Division basketball champions, Sterling High School. Back row, from left: Assistant Coach Luke Caldwell, Shane Benson, Zach Lempka, Assistant Coach Jerry Motz, Franklin Boyer-Spears, D.J. Thiel, Wade Hunt, William Wirthele, Jake Saathoff, Coach Jimmy Motz. Front row: Dalton Dreesen, Austin Magill, Klay Heusman, Devin Heusman, Jese Salberg, Jacob Wirthele, Brandon Nieveen, Kyle Lowmack. Presenting the 2008 MUDECAS A Division runnerup, Freeman High School. Front row, from left: Cassie Veerhusen, Tasha Mares, Erin Dorn, Megan Milke. Second row: Lindsay Buss, Shelby Koenig, Brianna Jurgens, Kelsey Schuster, Bailey Buhr. Third row: Assistant coach JB Libal, Coach Ken Cook, Katie Schoen, Amanda Wusk, Amanda Tosko, Ashley Yates, Natalie Lenners, Assistant Coach Shawn Mencl. Photos by Bill F. Bryant 5 Mile Run, 2 Mile Run, 2 Mile Fun Walk Saturday, February 2, 2008 2008 Downtown Hickman, NE Pawnee City (semifinals) Sterling fell behind early 6-0, but the Jets in the next 8:30 went on a 23-3 run and never looked back in its 54-43 semifinal win. The Jets held a 23-15 lead at halftime, but Pawnee City cut the lead to five at 33-28 before Sterling’s Jese Salberg buried a three as time ran out to end the third quarter. “Jese’s three was big,” Motz said. “I felt more comfortable with an eightpoint lead than a five-point lead.” Zach Lempka led the Jets with 20 points and nine rebounds in the winning effort. Salberg and Jake Saathoff chipped in nine apiece, lifting the Jets into the finals of the B division. It was the second time this season that Sterling defeated Pawnee City. The Jets won a 51-50 decision back on December 14. “They’re a good ball team with some great athletes,” Motz said. “They give you some different wrinkles offensively and you have to be able to identify personnel with them. We made some good adjustments and made it difficult Arnold Palmer was the first pro golfer to earn $1 million in prize money. 10:00 A.M. 5 Mile & 2 Mile Proceeds benefit NFAPA Scholarship Fund (Nebraska Foster and Adoptive Parent Association) Hickman, NE VOICE NEWS ANIMAL RUN ENTRY FORM Mail to: 2008 Animal Run, P.O. Box 37, Panama, NE 68419 Include $20.00 entry fee (after 1-24-2008 $22.00) Make Check payable to: 2008 Animal Run Last Name First Name Phone Street or RR City Race Entered 5 Mile T-Shirt Size (All Adult Sizes) 2 Mile 2 Mile Fun Walk S M Male L State Zip Female Birthdate XL - - XXL In considerations of your acceptance of my entry, I hereby for myself, my heirs and executors, waive any and all rights and claims for damages against the VOICE N EWS, race sponsors, Lancaster County, the City of Hickman and meet officials for any injuries suffered by me in connection with this event. I further certify that I am in good enough physical condition to participate in this event. In the event of extreme weather conditions, race director reserves the right to shorten the race for the safety of the entrants. Date Signature Signature of Parent or Guardian (if under 19) Page 18 - VOICE NEWS, Thursday, January 17, 2008 Freeman girls runnerup in MUDECAS A Division tournament Freeman 51, Johnson Co. Central 46 Freeman and Johnson County Central battled in the MUDECAS A Division semifinal game with the Lady Falcons pulling out a hard-fought win 5146 last week. Freeman started quickly leading 13-8 after the first eight minutes. Johnson Co. closed the gap to two points by halftime 23-21. The Lady Falcons increased their lead to 34-28 after three quarters and although Johnson Co. closed to within one point at 34-33, Freeman hit their free throws and held on to win 51-46. This was the first game without Katie Schoen, and Bailey Buhr stepped into the starting role and filled in well. The win advanced the Lady Falcons into the Championship game against Falls City S. H. on Friday night. Leading the win were: Cassie Veerhusen 24 points (career high), eight rebounds, two steals; Erin Dorn nine points, 11 rebounds; Bailey Buhr eight points, 13 rebounds (career high); Tasha Mares four points, eight rebounds; Ashley Yates four points, eight rebounds; and Kelsey Schuster two points, five rebounds. Freeman 24, Falls City Sacred Heart 69 In the Championship game, Falls City Sacred Heart showed they were the class of the tournament, totally dominating the game and claiming the first place trophy, 69-24. Freeman left much of their game legs during the semifinal game against Johnson County Central and couldn’t match the speed of the Lady Irish. FCSH led 21-10; 39-18; and 5120 at the quarter breaks. Freeman could only tally five points during the final half and FCSH added 30 to their total to bring the final score to 69-24. Cassie Veerhusen led Freeman with nine points, Erin Dorn added seven and Brianna Jurgens, Megan Milke, Shelby Mason and Kelsey Schuster each added two points. Katelyn Wheeler led the Lady Irish with 27 points, followed by Tori Olberding with 10 points. For the game, the Lady Irish shot 62 percent and pulled down 33 rebounds. Freeman, 9-4 and ranked 10th in the Class D1 wild card standings, played Tuesday night as they entertained Malcolm, then they will travel to JohnsonBrock Thursday night (tonight) for a make-up game with the Lady Indians and end the week by traveling to Stella for a Friday night game with Southeast Consolidated. The Lady Falcons will then play Tuesday, January 22, at home against Elmwood-Murdock. Panthers Pounce on Lewiston for Third Win! The Palmyra Lady Panthers picked up their third win of the season on Friday, January 11th with a win over Lewiston in the MUDECAS B Division Tournament. The Lady Panthers jumped out to a 13-5 lead in the first quarter and never looked back. They took a 27-13 lead into half time. The second half was more of the same as Palmyra outscored Lewiston 30-20. The final score ended up being Palmyra 57, Lewiston 33. All twelve players that suited up for Palmyra played and ten different players scored. Sam Masilko had a big night for the Lady Panthers recording 12 steals which Need someone reliable, who has been in business in the area for years? Call Paul Weber at 791-3008 in Firth • Windmill Work • Plumbing • Water Softeners • Trenching • Electrical Work • Ritchie Waterers Licensed Pump Installer WEBER WELL SERVICE led to a game high 14 points for her. Karey Straube also had a big night for Palmyra scoring 11 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. Also scoring for Palmyra was: Heather Wheatley, Steph Holdsworth and Brittany Schorder each scored 5, Kara Williams, Jessica Otradovec, and Kodi Gruber all recorded 4 points, Amanda Beckman and Holly Mach both ended the game with 2 a piece. Palmyra improves to 3-7 on the year. Up next for the Lady Panthers is a home game against Tri-County on Tuesday January 15th, then they travel to play East Butler on Friday January 18th, and on Saturday January 19th the Lady Panthers will be in action at home against Yutan. Pawnee City 46, Sterling 41 The Sterling Lady Jets participated in the MUDECAS B Division. Sterling squared off against Pawnee City in the first round and lost 46-41. Sterling started the first quarter by shooting 0 out 12. The only two points of the quarter were scored by Kaylee Agena on two free-throws. The Lady Jets fired back in the second quarter with some good defense and some easy lay-ups to pull within one point at halftime, 14-15. Pawnee City stretched its lead to 3123 after the third quarter. In the fourth quarter, Sterling made a run behind Kala Weber and Courtney VanGroningen, scoring nine and seven respectively. In the end, Pawnee City made their free throws and finished off the game. Coach Cockerill stated, “I was disappointed with the way we shot the basketball in the first quarter, and the fact that we had 26 turnovers with 16 of those unforced. That means we had too many mental breakdowns, something we will be addressing.” The Lady Jets were led by Weber’s 15 points, and VanGroningen’s 13 points. Pawnee City was led by Brooke Burgess with 15 points. Sterling 50, Parkview Christian 21 Falcons 1-2 at MUDECAS A Division Tourney Bruss really controlled the boards. Palmyra secured the third place finScoring: Kyle Schomerus 16; Preston ish, Saturday with a 52-42 win over The Freeman boys basketball team Bruss 8, 11 rebounds; Ben Kroese 2; Pawnee City. The Panthers led 24-21 at won the opening game of the 79th An- Jordan Goodrich 16; Adam Field 4. the half, after trailing 14-12 at the end of nual MUDECAS A Division Basketball Johnson-Brock 54 the first quarter. Tournament, in Beatrice, but lost the Palmyra 47 Palmyra extended its lead to 37-33 next two to finish fourth. In a close game for three quarters, by the end of the third quarter and out Wymore Southern claimed the A Johnson-Brock broke out in the fourth scored the Indians 15-9 in the fourth for Division championship, beating Bruning with a 19 to 15 run, to defeat Palmyra the 10 point win. Davenport 74-57. Falls City Sacred 54-47, Thursday, in the semifinal game. “The team played game for four quarHeart clipped the Falcons in overtime, Both teams were tied at 11 in the ters. They didn’t have an answer for the 47-44, for third place. first quarter and the Eagles led 21-20 at shooting of Kyle Schomerus, who had Freeman opened the tournament with the half. JB led 35-32 after three quar- 28 points, and he really stepped up and a 56-42 win over Lourdes Central ters. took advantage,” said Bottrell. Catholic behind 22 points from junior “We led a lot of the game, and were “Preston Bruss didn’t score a ton, Ryan Busboom, and 16 from junior never very far down,” Bottrell said. “They but he controlled the boards on both Elliott Mencl. hit some baskets toward the end and we ends. We got in some foul trouble early “I was proud of the way we came out couldn’t answer, and had to start fouling and Dalton Ringland, Quinn, Beecham and played against Lourdes. The kids and they hit their free throws. Ben Kroese and Marcus Boell, came off the bench took care of business and gave us a put together a nice game and found and put in some real quality minutes for chance to advance in the tournament,” some offense for us. All the kids played us. noted Jim McLaughlin, the Falcon head hard, we just couldn’t make a basket Scoring: Schomerus 28; Beecham 1; coach.” toward the end when we needed it,” he Bruss 5; Kroese 11; Goodrich 3; Field Freeman led 37-33 after three quar- said. 4. ters but out scored Lourdes 19-9 in the Scoring: Schomerus 20; Bruss 11; Palmyra, 4-7, plays at East Butler fourth to pull away for the win. Kroese 10; Goodrich 3; Boell 3. Friday, and at home against Yutan on Freeman scoring: Goracke 2; Palmyra 52 Saturday. Busboom 22; Mencl 16; Ebbers 3; Pawnee City 42 Nieveen 5; Schlake 6; Pella 2. Southern 45 Freeman 33 Norris wrestlers third at Waverly In the semifinal game Thursday, Freeman went cold in the second half after leading 28-17 at the half. Freeman scored only five second half points to 28 for Southern, losing 45-33. “Obviously we would have liked to have played better in the second half against Southern. We had them on the ropes and we let them off the hook. We picked a bad time not to shoot the ball well, but those things happen and we will move on. You can’t have let downs when you play top level teams,” McLaughlin said. Scoring: Busboom 16; Mencl 5; Titan John Hovendick pinned Daniel Moles of Johnson County Schlake 7; Pella 3; Ebbers 2. Central in recent action. Photo by Bill F. Bryant Falls City Sacred Heart 47 Freeman 45 The Falcons did battle back from a 28-18 halftime deficit to Falls City Sacred Heart in the third place game Saturday to tie the game at 37 at the end of regulation. Freeman was boosted by an 8-6 third quarter and an 11-3 fourth quarter. In overtime, the Irish hit seven free throws and a three pointer, for 10 points, as Freeman scored seven, producing the final, 47-44. “Against Sacred Heart, when came out with no energy and we are a team that must play with a ton of energy. We did that in the second half and the kids showed a lot of resiliency to bounce back and force overtime,” McLaughlin said. “This is one of the toughest small school tournaments in the state. We faced some very good teams and learned a lot about our team. Being in games like the ones we were in will prepare us for the challenges that we will face down the road,” McLaughlin added. Scoring: Rapp 2; Busboom 10; Mencl 16; Ebbers 6; Nieveen 3; Pella 7. Freeman, 9-3, and ranked seventh in the Class D1 wild card standings, plays at S.E. Consolidated, Friday, and will host Class C2, Elmwood-Murdock, Tuesday, January 22. In the consolation round of the MUDECAS Tournament, the Sterling Jets met Parkview Christian. Sterling won the game 50-21. The first quarter was a little sluggish for the Lady Jets with the team missing four lay-ups. Parkview did a nice job of scoring during the quarter and the score was 11-9 in favor of the Lady Jets. The second quarter was much of the same until the last few minutes when the Lady Jets got some timely steals from Weber (seven steals for the game), that led to some easy transition baskets. The third quarter, the Jets came out aggressively on defense and worked their offenses very well, outscoring Parkview 20-6. McKenzie McAuliffe had nine points during the quarter. After the third, the score was 40-19 and it allowed the Lady Jets the opportunity to play some of the younger team members. The Lady Jets were led by McAuliffe’s 18 points on 8 of 11 shooting and Stephanie Heusman’s nine points. Parkview Christian was led by Amy Strop and Breanna Borrenpuhl, each scoring eight points. The Lady Jets, 4-7, play Saturday at Palmyra Third in MUDECAS B Palmyra started the 79th Annual Nebraska City Lourdes. MUDECAS B Division boys tournament with a 49-40 win over DillerOdell, on Tuesday in Beatrice. The Panthers jumped out 13-5 in the first quarter and held a 24-11, halftime lead. Diller-Odell came back in the third quarter to close the gap to eight, 32-24, but the Panthers out scored the Griffins 17-16, for the nine point win, 49-40. “This was a good win for us,” said Palmyra coach Dave Bottrell. “We needed this one so we could get two more games in the tournament. Jordan Goodrich probably had his best game of the season, and Adam Field and Preston The Titan wrestlers went 3-2 on Saturday to finish in third place at the Waverly Duals, Saturday, January 12. Norris dropped the opening dual against Plattsmouth 42-26, and followed that up with a 58-15 win over Waverly. The Titans then dropped a decision to Platteview 44-31 before ending the day with back-to-back wins over Blair and Wahoo. Individually, #285 Justin Jackson, #103 Chauncey Ziemann and #112 Beau Bryant each went 5-0 on the day. Winning four matches each were #119 Drew Petersen, #125 Ben Reehl, #171 Trevor Funk and #215 Garrett Sawyer. Winning three matches was #160 Asa Bryant. Two wins were recorded by #140 Drew Granatowicz, while #130 Marcus Forsgren, #135 John Hovendick, #145 Vince Schaffert, #152 Dalton Vorhies and #189 Zach Krull each picked up a win. Justin Jackson, Garrett Sawyer and Beau Bryant each picked up their 20th win on the season this weekend. The Titans stand at 15-5 so far this season. Thursday night (tonight), Norris will host Auburn at 7 p.m. On Saturday, the Titans head on the road to the Aurora Duals. Norris 42, Tri County 19 The Titan wrestlers headed south Tuesday night, January 8, to tangle with the Trojans of Tri County. The Titans got off to a quick start with pins at #140 and #145 from seniors Drew Granatowicz and Vince Schaffert. Norris also picked up pins from sophomores #103 Chauncey Ziemann and #130 Marcus Forsgren. The pins, along with decisions, earned by seniors #171 Trevor Funk, #215 Garrett Sawyer, #285 Justin Jackson and junior #125 Ben Reehl, along with freshman #112 Beau Bryant, paced the Titans to the 42-19 victory. Norris received a great effort from the entire team, only James A. Cada | Judy A. Cada | Edward F. Hoffman Harvey G. Froscheiser | Linda M. Jewson Our attorneys are here to help you with all of your personal and business needs. With over 100 years of combined legal experience. 1024 K Street | Lincoln | (402) 477-2233 www.cadalaw.com giving up one pin on the night and constantly battling in all matches until the end. In JV action, the Titans received two wins from freshman Wil Cox. Norris 42, Tri County 19: 103 Ziemann N pinned Parrott TC; 112 Bryant N won by forfeit; 119 Seibrandt TC MD Petersen N 16-4; 125 Reehl N dec. Haase TC 8-2; 130 Forsgren N pinned Hahn TC; 135 Likens TC dec. Hovendick N 11-7; 140 Granatowicz N pinned Smith TC; 145 Schaffert N pinned Pinkerton; 152 Pflanz TC pinned Vorhies N; 160 Shepler TC dec. Bryant N 15-12; 171 Funk N dec. Lindley TC 4-2 OT; 189 Peters TC dec. Krull N 9-7; 215 Sawyer N dec. Lindley TC 4-2; 285 Jackson N dec. Placek TC 3-1 Norris JV Wrestling In JV action at Auburn, Saturday, Wil Cox won two matches as the team was depleted due to injuries. The JV will also see action in the Auburn Dual at Norris on Thursday. Fairbury defeats Norris girls, 57-47 Fairbury defeated Norris 57-47 Friday night, January 11. With the loss, Norris drops to 3-7 on the season. In the first quarter, Norris got out to a quick start, and then Fairbury settled in with their offense and outscored the Titans in the quarter 17-10. Norris worked hard to play catch up in the second quarter, but Fairbury would not allow this to happen. Each team scored 13 points in the quarter and Fairbury led 30-23 at the half. In the third quarter, Fairbury blew open a close game by scoring 16 points to take a commanding 46-33 lead at the quarter break. Norris fought hard to make a comeback in the final quarter as they outscored Fairbury 14-11, but it was not enough and Fairbury held on for a 57-47 win. Next up, the Titans, 3-7, will host Waverly January 18 and then travel to Gretna the following day. Norris is currently 3-0 in the EMC and is looking for two more wins this week. Norris scoring: Sonny Adkins 14, Abbie Gabel seven, Sarah Hoefler seven, Sharee Barry five, Taylor Krejci four, Jordan Funk four, Rachel Hansen four, Megan Poe two. Rebounding: Hoefler nine, Adkins eight, Gabel six, Krejci four; Steals: Hoefler three, Funk three; Assists: Adkins four VOICE Titans place at Swim meets By Sandi Hoffman January 10South Sioux City, Omaha Skutt The boys swam a very good meet, beating both of their opponents. The girls were very close in a tight battle with South Sioux City. Both teams swam well. Also worthy of special note were the two new secondary state qualifying times swum, which included Josh Karel achieving his in the 100 breaststroke. A number of swimmers also swam personal bests. Josh Karel achieved personal best times in his individual events. Among those achieving personal bests in one event was Garret Schrock-fly. Female 200 Medley Relay Senior, 2:16.50, A Relay, Second, Erin Lee, Morgan Cullison, Nicole DeBoer, Desiree Bartels; 2:41.57, B Relay, Fifth, Shaylin Likens, Megan Noble, Ronni Mann, Tabby Lee Male 200 Medley Relay Senior, 1:52.40, A Relay, First, Garret Schrock, Josh Karel, Matt Penner, Andrew Nelson Female 50 Free Senior, 29.17, Erin Lee, Third; 41.28, Tabby Lee, no place listed Male 50 Free Senior, 33.83, Collin Volker, no place listed Male 100 Fly Senior, 58.96, Garret Schrock, Second; 1:05.65, Josh Karel, Third Crete topples Norris 58-43; Titans beat Fairbury 52-48 second. It was a photo finish for sure! We also had a long list of team members who set personal best times in their events. Included in the list were Tabby Lee-50 free and Nicole DeBoer100 backstroke. Next action for the team was at Columbus on January 15, the Ralston Dive Invite on January 19 and at home versus Omaha Duchesne Academy January 22. Female 200 Medley Relay Senior, 2:16.90, A Relay, Eighth, Erin Lee, Morgan Cullison, Nicole DeBoer, Desiree Bartels Male 200 Medley Relay Senior, 1:50.09, A Relay, Second, Andrew Nelson, Josh Karel, Garret Schrock, Matt Penner; 2:05.37, B Relay, Did Not Place, Lucas Berke, Trenton Mc Cown, Logan Cullison, Charlie Tomes Female 200 IM Senior, 2:28.08, Nicole DeBoer, Eighth Male 200 IM Senior, 2:09.55, Garret Schrock, First Female 50 Free Senior, 28.92, Erin Lee, 24th; 36.66, Tabby Lee, 81st Male 50 Free Senior, 25.27, Charlie Tomes, Seventh; 25.92, Josh Karel, 10th; 33.61, Collin Volker, 38th Female 100 Fly Senior, 1:14.01, Erin Lee, 13th Female 100 Free Senior, 1:21.61, Tabby Lee, 38th Male 100 Free Senior, 28.33, Charlie Tomes, Second; 1:22.16, Collin Volker, 28th Male 100 Free Senior, 1:20.42, Collin Volker, no place listed Male 200 Free Relay Senior, 1:37.99, A Relay, First, Andrew Nelson, Matt Penner, Josh Karel, Garret Schrock; 1:53.31, B Relay, Third, Christian Dixon, Zach Mansell, Collin Volker, Seth DeBoer Female 100 Back Senior, 1:16.45, Erin Lee, Third Male 100 Back Senior, 59.57, Garret Schrock, First Male 100 Breast Senior, 1:12.25, Josh Karel, First Female 400 Free Relay Senior, 4:31.37, A Relay, Second, Erin Lee, Desiree Bartels, Morgan Cullison, Nicole DeBoer Female 200 Free Relay Senior, 1:54.07, A Relay, Sixth, Erin Lee. Morgan Cullison, Desiree Bartels, Nicole DeBoer Male 200 Free Relay Senior, 1:46.27, A Relay, Fifth, Logan Cullison, Lucas Berke, Seth DeBoer, Charlie Tomes Female 100 Back Senior, 1:10.81, Nicole DeBoer, 10th Male 100 Back Senior, 58.97, Garret Schrock, Second Male 100 Breast Senior, 1:12.86, Josh Karel, Fourth This meet is always a pre-conference tape measure for us. We are able to tell just how we will finish against other conference schools. On the whole, we were pleased with the overall team performance at the meet. We were very pleased with the second-place finish by the boys team. We saw some areas for improvement and will certainly set about to see we do improve in those areas, but on the whole, we were encouraged by our results. The 100 backstroke was a particularly exciting event for us as Andrew edged Garret Schrock for first place by a mere nine one hundredths of a The Freeman eighth grade basketball team jumped into the win column with a 26-17 win over Sterling to bring their record to 1-1. A 6-0 first quarter was aided by a 12-3 second quarter to give the Falcon eighth graders an 18-3 halftime lead. However, the Jets came back hard in the third period, outscoring Freeman 10-3 to make the score 21-13 going into the final period. The scoring slowed down in the fourth as Freeman scored five and gave up only four for the victory. Allison Evers was the leading scorer for the Falcons with 11 points. Savannah Banks added five points. Abbey Klein and Mallory Dorn connected for four points apiece. And Katy Veskrna added a field goal. Nicole Wenzl was the leading scorer for Sterling with nine points. The seventh grade had little trouble with the Sterling team. Freeman jumped out to a 16-0 first quarter lead. By halftime, the score was 22-4. At the end of three periods, the Falcons were ahead 30-4 and closed with a 37-10 win. Kylie Trobee led Freeman with 10 points. Morgan Lenners had six. Shelbi Mixer had five points, including a three-pointer. Field goals came from Lindsay Hottovy, Halley Dorn, Samantha Milke, Nichelle Meyer and Anna Harder. The seventh grade now has a 2-0 record. The Falcons took part the week of January 14 in the Freeman Tournament with games on Monday and Thursday (tonight), and they then will travel to Tecumseh January 21 and host Lewiston January 23. Above, Brian Glenn guards the lane for Norris. Below, Braden Zysset blocks out for a rebound in a recent game. Photos by Bill F. Bryant Freeman Junior High Girls Basketball Sterling January 13 - Skutt Invitational Wednesday, January 9 Commission seeks temporary parks help Want a summer job? Come work for the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission at one of its many park areas. The agency is taking applications for temporary seasonal help for this summer. Typically, 800-900 temporary jobs are available each summer. This year, there will be positions at 27 state park areas. There are a variety of positions available, from security guard, to lifeguard and housekeeping to groundskeeping. Applicants may visit any park office for forms and a list of positions or go online to www.wrk4neb.org. Click on Current Vacancies, then Temporary under Category Listings. Scroll down the Commission’s listing, job No. 33-33500 for a list of positions, available park areas and qualifications. Applicants may fill out forms online. Applications will be taken through Jan. 18. Duties for some positions may begin as early as April 1. T.E.A.M. stands for T.ogether E.veryone A.chieves M.ore. -Unknown We salute the dream! Celebrate the life of a man who did so much to advance the cause of civil rights. We’ll be closed Monday, Jan. 21st in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day! Farmers & Merchants Bank ® Your Hometown Banking Center Our Family Serving Your Family Panama 788-2567 • Firth 791-5340 • Palmyra 780-5715 Member www.bankfmb.com • Telephone Banking 1-888-761-2101 FDIC NEWS, Thursday, January 17, 2008 - Page 19 The Norris basketball team split a pair of games over the weekend beating Fairbury at home, 52-48, on Friday, and falling to Crete, 58-43, on Saturday in Crete. Norris, 7-3, on the year, played tough defense against Fairbury in a close game. The Jeffs led 14-11, after one period, and 26-24, at the half. Norris took control in the third quarter with a 15-9 run, and both teams put up 13 fourth quarter points. “Fairbury came to Norris with an 82 record and played just like their record,” said Titan head coach Curt Carlson. “They are very athletic and have some kids that shoot it pretty well. Fortunately we held them to 40% shooting and forced 20 turnovers as well. We out rebounded them 30-22 and shot 59 percent from two point range,” he said. FAIRBURY 14 12 9 13 48 NORRIS 11 13 15 13 52 LEADERS: Points-Blake Huls-23; Rebounds-Huls-nine, Swanson-five; Assists-Gade-three, Dudley-three; Steals-Gade-four, Huls-four Crete busted out to a 26-12 first quarter lead and never looked back in the 15 point win over Norris, Saturday. “The game was determined by two main factors,” Carlson commented. “First, Crete made 7-of-10 three point shots in the first half (five in the first quarter) and second Norris committed 25 turnovers for the game. If you don't defend and take care of the ball against a quality team, it will be a long night. On the positive side Norris did cut Crete's lead to four midway through the third quarter, but turnovers and missed shots allowed Crete to build the lead again,” her added. Norris falls to 7-3 on the season, and 12th in the Class B wild card standings, with an EMC game next Friday with Waverly, at home. The first round of the Eastern Midlands Conference tournament begins Tuesday, with finals at Nebraska City, Saturday, January 26. NORRIS 12 12 8 11 43 CRETE 26 11 6 15 58 LEADERS: Points-Cole Gade-13. Blake Huls11; Rebounds-Gade-five, Dudley-four, Bouwens-four; Steals-Huls-four, Bouwens-four, Dudley-three Boys J.V. mid-season info The Norris Boys J.V. basketball team’s record stands at 6-2 currently, with wins over Platteview, Marysville, Seward, Blair, Fairbury, and Crete. Losses have come to Beatrice and Elkhorn. Leading scorers for the Titans are Taylor TeKolste with eight points per game, followed by Jared Zysset and Lance Bouwens with seven points per game each. Leading the team in rebounds per game are TeKolste with eight, followed by Tony Steffensmeier with four. Zysset is averaging 2.5 steals per game in that category. The team is averaging 47 points per game, while giving up 38 defensively. Overall, the season is progressing with great improvement shown by the players. Desire on defense, paired with offensive discipline are the key to the team’s most recent victories. Upcoming games are this Friday, versus Waverly at home, followed with games against Plattsmouth and Nebraska City in two weeks. Two medal for Palmyra The Panther wrestling team took the short trip to Syracuse for the SDA Pin Tournament on Friday, January 11. This proved to be the toughest competition of the year for the improving Panthers. Despite the last place finish, there were bright spots for the team. All of the members looked good in losses. Most of the team members were able to get a victory on the night. Justen Belew came through with his first medal of the season. Medal winners were: 103, Bran- Panama Trail Run Sunday Freeman wrestlers compete The Panama Trail Run, is Sunday, January 20, on the Panama Trails, at Weeping Water Invitational Panama, Nebraska. This year it is hosted by Tiger Coaching and Personal Training. The weather can play a big part in just how interesting this event can be! Come join in the fun and camaraderie! Date: Sunday, January 20. Time: Check-in at 12:30 p.m. Race begins at 1:30 p.m. Check is at the Fire Barn. It is a two and four mile course consisting of trails along old railroad tracks, creek crossings, short, but demanding hills, and some gravel roads. Awards to the top five in each race (Two and four Mile), in the “Solo” Division. Awards, prizes, food and refreshments to follow the race. For more information contact Jim Craig at 788-2555, or 432-3622. For a complete Winter Series race schedule, go to: http:// www.nscracing.com Propane Delivery Call for prices 1-800-627-9908 Hickman Propane Weeping Water Invite Freeman traveled to compete in the annual Weeping Water tournament on Saturday, January 12. Freeman had a decent showing as one out of the six wrestlers won a medal. Leading the way for the team was a second-place finish by junior Matt Nieveen (125). Nieveen won his quarterfinal match by a pin, and his semifinal match with a decision in overtime. Nieveen gave up a pin in the final match. Sophomore Evan Buss (285) picked up a win with a pin in the second round, but fell short of a medal. Other wrestlers competing at the tournament were freshmen Devin Wolken (119), Sky Sutton (152), Nick Ruskamp (160), and sophomore Chase Heble (119). Coach Troxel said, “This meet has fewer teams in the tournament, but the teams that are there are very good. Both East Butler and Fort Calhoun are ranked in the state. This tournament gave us an opportunity to compete with very competitive teams, and showed us what we need to work on in the future.” Freeman will travel to Hebron for the Thayer Central Invite on Friday. WANTED HOMES THAT NEED ROOFING A select number of home owners in the area will be given the opportunity to have a lifetime (ULH0HWDO5RR¿QJ System installed on their home at a reasonable sonable cost. If we can use your home in our campaign to showcase WKHORRNRIRXUQHZPHWDOVKLQJOHURRIZHZLOOGH¿QLWHO\ make it worth your while. Should your home and location meet our marketing needs, you will receive attractive pricing and have access to our special low interest XQVHFXUHGEDQN¿QDQFLQJ An (ULH0HWDO5RR¿QJ6\VWHP will provide your home with unsurpassed beauty and protection….. guaranteed! 'RQ¶WPLVVWKLVRSSRUWXQLW\WRVDYH INQUIRE TODAY TO SEE IF YOUR HOME QUALIFIES! 1-800-952-3743 www.ErieMetalRoofs.com Copyright ©(ULH0HWDO5RR¿QJ Page 20 - VOICE NEWS, Thursday, January 17, 2008 79th Annual MUDECAS Tournament Madness Boys A Division All-MUDECAS Tournament First Team Matt Baehr, Southern Brent Houchin, Bruning-Davenport Drew Porter, Southern Garrett Hoins, Bruning-Davenport Craig Trump, Southern Honorable mention: Marshall Joy, HTRS; Justin Kosmicki, Johnson County Central; Lon Schoenholz, Bruning-Davenport; Ryan Busboom, Freeman; Caleb Pokorny, Sacred Heart; Ross Barr, Southern; Jason Jagels, Bruning-Davenport; Elliott Mencl, Freeman; Bryce Ebel, Sacred Heart; Blake Baller, Exeter-Milligan; Matt Beccard, Lourdes; Phil McClure, Southern. Boys B Division All-MUDECAS Tournament First Team Zach Lempka, Sterling Hans Christensen, Johnson-Brock Kyle Schomerus, Palmyra Josh Adams, Johnson-Brock Jake Saathoff, Sterling Honorable mention: Jordan Tyrance, Parkview Christian; Ben Theye, DillerOdell; Jese Salberg, Sterling; Jordan Goodrich, Palmyra; John Musil, Pawnee City; Brent Haith, JohnsonBrock; Andrew Rohr, Meridian; D.J. Thiel, Sterling; Taylor Baumert, Pawnee City; Preston Bruss, Palmyra; Tyler Bohling, Johnson-Brock. Girls A Division All-MUDECAS Tournament First Team Kali Schnacker, HTRS Katelyn Wheeler, Sacred Heart Jamie Straube, Johnson County Cassie Veerhusen, Freeman Macie Kuker, Sacred Heart Honorable mention: Emalee Oblinger, Southern; Teri Ann Koch, Diller-Odell; Megan Kuska, ExeterMilligan; Tasha Mares, Freeman; Amber Hansel, Meridian; Kelsi Holthus, Johnson County; Rachel Bieker, Sacred Heart; Erin Dorn, Freeman; Kesha Beethe, Johnson County; Logan Ballue, HTRS; Tori Holberding, Sacred Heart. Girls B Division All-MUDECAS Tournament First Team Cecelia Catlett, Bruning-Davenport Dawn Kite, Johnson-Brock Kelsey Otto, Bruning-Davenport Jordan Broady, Johnson-Brock Lichelle Schroeder, Bruning-Davenport. Honorable mentions: Laura Gawart, Lourdes; Maggie Kramer, Lewiston; Karey Straube, Palmyra; Brooke Winegar, Johnson-Brock; Breanna Bornpohl, Parkview Christian; Brooke Burgess, Pawnee City; Rachel Rippe, Johnson-Brock; CeCe Walters, Lourdes; Dani Burgess, Pawnee City; Kala Weber, Sterling; Kendall Corliss, Bruning-Davenport. Left, Jet Devin Heusman battles for the ball with Tyler Hahn, of Johnson-Brock. Right, Preston Bruss bulls his way for the ball against JB, in the semifinals. Jet Jacob Wirthele tries to keep Eagle Tyler Bohling out of the lane. Kyle Schlake guards the lane for Freeman. Freeman junior Cassie Veerhusen pops a jumper Kelsey Schuster sends a free throw on the way for Freeman. against the Lady Irish. Sterling first year coach Jimmy Motz already has a championship under his belt. Falcon coach Jim McLaughlin encourages his team. Right, Jonathan Davis cheers for Freeman. Looking forward to helping you reach your business goals in 2008 with creative marketing ideas at affordable rates. and thanking you for your business the past 26 years. We couldn’t have done it without our loyal advertisers confidence in the newspaper. Please call now to schedule an appointment in January to discuss ways the VOICE can be of assistance to you with your marketing plan this year. Consider adding the newspapers statewide to your budget in addition to VOICE readers in southeast Nebraska. VOICE News The largest hometown, independent weekly newspaper for 22 communities south since 1978. 108 Locust St., Hickman, NE 68372 NEW THIS YEAR! Phone: 402-792-2255 ENTERTAINMENT e-mail: [email protected] & NEWS VIDEOS www.voicenewsnebraska.com on our website Finish Carpentry Kitchens • Baths Basement Finishing Advanced Remodeling, LLC. 311 Stagecoach Ave. Hickman, NE 68372 Wylie Clang 440-4457 [email protected] MUDECAS photos by Bill F. Bryant