The Doniphan Herald

Hall County Historical Society to host cemetery tour for Memorial Day

The Hall County HIstorical Society will sponsor its annual public tour of the Grand Island City Cemetery in observance of Memorial Day.

Skip Meyer will be leading the tours. He is a member of the Association of Cemetery Studies. He became interested in cemeteries at the suggestion of Dr. Robert Manley. In addition to learning the hidden meaning behind tombstones, Skip will walk you to the graves of many famous and some infamous, history-residents of Grand Island while relating some great folklore.

Tours are free for members of the Hall County Historical Society. Non-members are welcome for a fee of $5.00 per person. Reservations may be made with Fred Roeser, 4262 Michigan Ave. Grand Island NE 68803 or phone 308-384-2154. Please leave your phone number so you may be contacted in case of inclement weather.

Four tours are scheduled. Times as follows: 6 p.m. on Thursday, May 24; 1 p.m. on Friday, May 25; 6 p.m. on Friday, May 25; 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 26. Tours usually last about three hours.

The tours begin at the east end of the city cemetery on the south side of Stolley Park Road. Participants are asked not to park in the cemetery but in the Bosselman Corporate offices parking lot, just to the east.

Two Doniphan issues on May 15 ballot pass

DONIPHAN - The two items on the May 15 ballot for Doniphan residents both passed by an overwhelming margin.

The amendment to the Doniphan Economic Development plan, which will allow the Doniphan Economic Development Corporation to be eligible to receive sales tax funds to put toward a community center, passed by a 145 to 24 margin.

The vote about whether Doniphan would remain a village or become a second class city passed 159 to 15 in favor of remaining a village.

In Hall County, which has 31,173 registered voters, only 7,584 (24.33 percent) turned out on election night.

Of those 7,584, Republicans numbered 5,189, Democrats totaled 2,037 and non-partisans were 354.

Hall County voters gave Mitt Romney 3,387 votes, while Rick Santorium had 795. In the U.S. Sentae race, Deb Fischer received 2,532 votes compared to 1,656 for Jon Bruning and 859 for Don Stenberg.

Adrian Smith received 3,950 votes compared to 1,176 for Bob Lingenfelter in the House of Representative race.

On the Democratic ticket, President Barack Obama garnered 1,442 votes and write-ins had 167. Bob Kerry got 1,550 votes in the U.S. Senate race compared to 256 votes by his closest competitor. Doniphan resident Mark Sullivan received 1,593 votes compared to 22 for the write-ins in the House of Representatives race.

In the Southern Public Power District 4 race, Gary Hedman of Doniphan received 546 votes compared to 382 for Dan Davis and 357 for Michael Panowicz.

Stuhr Museum to offer free admission on May 12

GRAND ISLAND, STUHR MUSEUM � Enjoy every attraction, exhibit and experience Stuhr Museum has to offer, and do it for FREE during Stuhr Museum�s �Visitor and Hall County Appreciation Day� Saturday, May 12, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

During this special �thank you� to Hall County�s continued support for more than 40 years, anyone and everyone is welcomed to visit the museum free of charge. During the day, you can:

●Visit the 1890′s Railroad Town, our Living History community, where costumed interpreters live, work and play as if it�s 1892. From the blacksmith shop to the Mercantile to any of Railroad Town�s historic homes, you can go into the buildings, visit with the interpreters and learn about 1890�s life first hand.
●See the �Famous and Infamous of Hall County� exhibit in the Stuhr Building
●See dozens of farm implements and vehicles of yesteryear in our Antique Farm Machinery Building
●Explore the Native American and firearms exhibit in the Fonner Rotunda
●Much more!

Stuhr�s 1890�s Railroad Town is open for the summer, the Pawnee Earth Lodge and tipi will be open, viewings of the Antique Farm Machinery Building will be available and the new summer exhibit �The Famous and Infamous of Hall County� will be on display in the Stuhr Building. There are more than 200 acres of museum to explore, and it�s all FREE to the public.

Railroad Town opens at 10 a.m. and closes at 5 p.m. with the Antique Farm Machinery building open from 10-11 a.m. and 2-3 p.m. The Stuhr Building and �The Famous and Infamous of Hall County� is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call (308) 385-5316 or log onto www.stuhrmuseum.org.

Hall County 4-H Youth Get Boost from National Paper Clover Campaign, Tractor Supply Co.

GRAND ISLAND - The Tractor Supply Company (TSC) store in Grand Island joined 4-H in support of local youth with the 4-H TSC Paper Clover Campaign, a national in-store fundraising effort to benefit state and local 4 H programming in each of the communities where a Tractor Supply Company store is located.

�TSC has been such a great supporter of 4-H here in Hall County. They really understand the effort our youth put into their projects and the wonderful skills 4-H teaches them. The funds we receive through the Paper Clover Promotions go to support all educational aspects of our 4-H programs.�
-Ashley Benes, Extension Assistant

The success of last fall�s campaign spurred TSC�s continued support of the community fundraising event. Beginning Wednesday May 2nd through Monday May 14th, shoppers at the Grand Island Tractor Supply Company will have the opportunity to support 4-H in Hall County by purchasing paper clovers for just $1 at checkout. All funds raised through this local 4-H TSC Paper Clover Campaign will be donated to 4-H, and will support local camps, after-school programs and other 4-H youth development program activities in Hall County

�Through this highly impactful community event, we have been able to raise funds nationally over the past few years for thousands of 4-H youth across the country,\" said Donald T. Floyd Jr., president and CEO of National 4-H Council. �We are more than pleased with the success of the 4-H Paper Clover Campaign, and we are even more honored to continue the tremendous partnership that drives support for 4-H clubs and programs in the communities of more than 1,000 Tractor Supply Company and Del\'s Feed and Farm Supply stores.�

In just two years, the TSC 4-H Paper Clover Campaign has provided more than $1 million to 4-H across the country, with 70 percent of the funds returning to state and local 4-H programs. The effort has provided direct support for local camps, after-school programs and other activities, and has granted scholarships to these events that youth can explore their interests in everything from animal science to robotics.

�Our Paper Clover efforts are one of the key ways our stores can give back to the community,\" said John Wendler, senior vice president of Marketing for Tractor Supply Company. \"By providing essential funding for hundreds of thousands of 4-H young people, we are able to support local organizations that are important to both our customer and our Team Members. We\'re proud to help improve the many communities in which we have stores through our partnership with 4-H. That is what Tractor Supply is all about.\"

This year, funds donated during the national campaign will be tracked online and recorded by state and by store. Visit www.tractorsupply.com/4-H, for more information on the spring 2012 4-H Paper Clover Campaign and to view the donation tracker.

About 4-H
4-H is a community of six million young people across America learning leadership, citizenship, and life skills. National 4-H Council is the private sector, non-profit partner of 4-H National Headquarters located at the National Institute for Food and Agriculture (NIFA) within USDA. The 4-H programs are implemented by the 109 Land Grant Universities and the Cooperative Extension System through their 3,100 local Extension offices across the country. Learn more about 4-H at www.4-H.org.

About Tractor Supply Company
Tractor Supply Company operates more than 1,100 stores in 44 states. The Company\'s stores are focused on supplying the lifestyle needs of recreational farmers and ranchers. The Company also serves the maintenance needs of those who enjoy the rural lifestyle, as well as tradesmen and small businesses. Stores are located in towns outlying major metropolitan markets and in rural communities. The Company offers the following comprehensive selection of merchandise: (1) equine, pet and animal products, including items necessary for their health, care, growth and containment; (2) maintenance products for agricultural and rural use; (3) hardware and tool products; (4) seasonal products, including lawn and garden power equipment; (5) truck and towing products; and (6) work/recreational clothing and footwear for the entire family.

Central Platte NRD approves 107 water applications

GRAND ISLAND - The Department of Natural Resources approved proposed changes to the NRD�s irrigation rules and regulations and the Integrated Management Plan, paving the way for 107 new irrigation applications to be approved Thursday by the Central Platte Natural Resources District�s board of directors. 117 applications were ranked by the staff for the area opening up for new irrigation below Chapman totaling 2,419.34 acres. The maximum number of acres available was 2,500. Only one application was approved per landowner. Orders for the rules and regulations and the Integrated Management Plan were also approved for publication.

--Variance/Appeals Sub-Committee- The committee clarified the �Irrigation History� rule in the NRD�s irrigation rules and regulations in regards to CRP land saying that in order to be certified as irrigated a landowner must have: FSA records and/or county tax documents that show that the land was irrigated the year prior to being enrolled in a federal conservation program. Another addition is that if the land comes out of a federal program, then it must be put into irrigated production for at least two years before a water transfer would be allowed.

--Water Resources Committee- The following items were on the agenda:

1. Budget- The 2013 Fiscal Budget was reviewed and advanced to the Budget Committee.

2. Canals- Ron Bishop reported that two sizable checks would be written within the next week for the 6 Mile Canal and the 30 Mile Canal. The board authorized Olsson Associates to start the second phase as outlined in the contract for the Southside Orchard Alfalfa rehab design.

3. Water Banking- Ron Bishop, general manager, reported that purchases for the Water Bank from irrigators are slow and that the NRD is still waiting to hear back from DNR on the excess flow application that was submitted nine months ago. He also reported that CPNRD is in line to get 10 percent of the J2 Reservoir water that is currently being planned; which will provide the NRD with up to 2,000 acre/feet of water per year. He also suggested that the Western Projects Committee meet in the near future to discuss how to proceed with the proposed Elm Creek project.

4. 2-out-of-10 Rule- Director Mike Dobesh questioned whether the NRD is doing enough to be sure that producers understand the rule and whether records will be available to prove that irrigators are complying with the rule when necessary. The board directed staff to present a check mark list, timeline or options to avoid confusion in the next eight years.

5. Joint Board Mtg- The Twin Platte and Central Platte NRDs will hold a joint board meeting on May 9 in Kearney. The agenda will include a presentation by Brown and Caldwell on an extensive conjunctive management study regarding increased flows to the Platte River. The boards will discuss and possibly take action on the presentation.

--Eastern Projects Committee- Lalit Jha, JEO, requested approval of a modified Scope of Services contract for the Prairie/Silver/Moores flood control project. The new contract was approved by the board.

--U.S. Senator Conference Call- During the board meeting, directors spoke with U.S. Senator Ben Nelson via conference call regarding the Farm Bill.

--NRCS- James Huntwork, district conservationist of Grand Island, reported on work being done by the NRCS and NRD staff to provide LIDAR technology throughout the District and possibly the entire state. LIDAR is used to determine topography, slopes and land classes. Huntwork said he hopes to have a cost estimate at the next board meeting. Mike Pavel of Kearney, reported on projects that the Kearney field office are working on.

--Lawsuit- Ron Bishop reported that a lawsuit has been filed against the NRD by Jim Riley in the District Court of Buffalo County. Riley�s allegation is that 5.9 acres of property that he acquired was previously irrigated and that the NRD is not allowing those acres to be irrigated.

--Legislative Wrap-Up- Milt Moravek, assistant manager, reported that the Legislature adjourned Sine Die on April 18th of the 60-day session. Natural resources bills affecting the Central Platte NRD that passed the Legislature and were approved by Governor Heineman were LB391e, LB 526e, LB 743, LB950/950Ae, and LB 1125e. Moravek said study sessions for LR 554/556, LR 539, and LR 608 would also be of interest to the District.

--Cooperative Hydrology Study- Duane Woodward, hydrologist, reported that the committee recently put out proposals for contract bids to look at land use acres from 2006-2010. The new data sets will be extensive, including 27 land types and uses. Woodward said previous land use sets put together go back to the 1950s.

--Cost Share- 12 applications were approved for cost share: Soil & Water Conservation Program- planned grazing ($900); CPNRD applications: 2 flow meters ($1,000) and 9 well decommissioning applications ($8,750). The total approved for both cost share programs was $10,650.

Sen. Annette Dubas - April 13, 2012 Weekly Column

The 2012 Legislative Session will go down in the books as the year of the child. The Health and Human Services Committee spent a good share of 2011 conducting an in depth interim study regarding the problems surrounding the privatization of our child welfare system. Their report recommended many bold steps to get this train back on the right track.

Six bills were introduced by the committee and after hearings, floor debate and much additional revising and refining work, the legislation is now law.

Some of the major components of the bills will deal with the creation of a Children\'s Commission. This group is charged with creating a statewide strategic plan and will become the linchpin for collaboration between state, local, community, public and private stakeholders in child welfare programs. The Commission will also bring together members of the executive, judicial and legislative branches of government to look at the core problems present in child welfare programs. This is a pivotal component and one that has been sorely missing in past attempts to create a better, more efficient delivery system.

There will also be more scrutiny regarding any future contracts entered into by the Department of Health and Human Services. Children and Family Services will be required to provide reports to the Legislature with details on budgets and expenditures. This requirement came from reports by the State Auditor and the Performance Audit Committee, which chastised HHS for not having a transparent process in place to track receipts and expenses.

One of the more questionable directions of the initial reform was turning over case management of state wards to private agencies. There will now be a pilot program using the one remaining Lead Agency to look at how case management is best handled. There will be a concerted effort to reduce caseloads for caseworkers and create statewide standards for such cases.

A change that I worked closely on with the committee deals with how we determine fair compensation for our foster families. There will now be a demonstration project to come up with innovative ideas to improve outcomes for children in foster care and a Foster Care Reimbursement Rate Committee. Hopefully, we will be able to create a standard base pay rate for foster parents to help care for those most at risk children who enter the child welfare system. In the meantime, foster families will receive an additional $3.10 per day to help compensate for our existing low rates.

Having a data collection system that is reliable, up to date, and can be used universally is key to the success of any reform. We will now work to create a web based information system to integrate the child welfare data which will include reporting requirements for the department.

This package of bills creates a solid foundation upon which we can build a child welfare system which will address the needs of the child as well as their families. The number one goal of HHS and the Legislature is stable, safe, secure, and loving permanency for the child. I am very optimistic that we are moving that direction.

�REMEMBERING A FALLEN HERO� Local Hastings women running the Lincoln National Guard Marathon to raise charitable funds in memory of 1st Lt. Kevin Gaspers.

Hastings, NE - Tamera Schlueter of Hastings will be running in the Lincoln National Guard Full and Half Marathon, May 6, 2012, in memory of local fallen hero, 1st Lt. Kevin Gaspers.

Schlueter is seeking sponsors to make "per mile" pledges, with all proceeds funding the 1st Lt. Kevin Gaspers Memorial Scholarship Fund, in care of the Hastings Community Foundation.

1st Lt. Gaspers was killed in the line of duty in As Sadah, Iraq on April 23, 2007, at the age of 26. He was a member of the 82nd Airborne Division out of Ft. Bragg, N.C. Gaspers grew up in Hastings, Nebr., graduating from St. Cecilia High School in 2000, and UNL in 2005 (ROTC). He was awarded numerous service medals including the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart. The 1st Lt. Kevin Gaspers Memorial Scholarship is awarded annually to one student in each of Hastings' three high schools.

Schlueter is running the 13.1-mile half marathon, her first attempt at a race this long. The idea of raising funds for the scholarship came after she ran past Gasper's gravesite during a training run.

"The timing was uncanny," said Schlueter. "I later learned that the race weekend also marks the fifth anniversary of Kevin's memorial service. Contributing to his scholarship fund would be an excellent way to remember Kevin's incredible sacrifice, and to show his family they are still in our hearts and minds."

Schlueter is asking for pledges of $1 per mile, for a total of $13.10, but will be grateful for donations of all sizes.

To make a pledge, email Tamera Schlueter at stschlueter@windstream.net.

The Hastings Community Foundation is a 501c3 nonprofit grant-making organization dedicated to improving the quality of life in and around the Hastings area. The Foundation manages over 90 charitable funds, including endowments, scholarships, memorials, donor advised funds, and special projects. Gifts to the Foundation may be tax deductible. If you would like to make a contribution to this scholarship fund, please make checks payable to Hastings Community Foundation, P.O. Box 703, Hastings, NE 68901.

Hall County Voices from Past to feature Bartenbach\'s Opera House on April 15

April 15 will be the date for the \"Voices from the Past\" sponsored by the Hall County Historical Society. This is one week later than usual because of Easter. On that date George Bartenbach will tell of the original Bartenbach\'s Opera House and the evolution of Bartenbach\'s Paint, Glass and Wall Coverings to the present day Bartenbach Galleries.

The program will be at 2 p.m. at Plum Street station in Grand Island and is free and open to the public.

In 1895 there were 99 opera houses scattered across Nebraska. These were gradually replaced by movie theaters. The Bartenbach Opera house survived longer than most and the original building still stands in Grand Island. In later days it hosted local events such as Senior HIgh and Grand Island Business College commencements.

Several generations have been involved in the business which has diversified over the years. George and his mother, Fredda, both sought an interior design education and were involved in interior decorating. This led to an art framing business. George is now busy selling arwork for commercial projecs such as banks, hospitals, nursing homes and other public areas, working with national firms.

Vital Signs Health Fair to be held March 24-25

The 27th annual Vital Signs Health Fair, set for 7AM � 1PM Saturday and Sunday, March 24th and 25th, at the Adams County Fairgrounds, offers free or low-cost health screenings as well as health education and information.

Those who participate in the blood chemistry analysis must remember to fast for 12 hours prior to coming to the Health Fair. Regular medications may be taken and beverages such as water, plain, unsweetened coffee or tea can be consumed. For those who pre-registered, the cost for the blood test is $35. Colon cancer screening kits will be given to all who receive the blood test at no cost. On-site registration will be $40 for the blood chemistry analysis and a colon cancer screening kit.

The public is able to bring outdated prescription and over-the-counter medications for disposal. Through a collaborative effort with South Heartland District Health Department, Area Substance and Alcohol Abuse Prevention, local law enforcement, hospitals and the NE State Patrol, Medication Take Back offers a safer medication disposal alternative by destroying drugs with incineration instead of flushing or disposing as landfill waste � both of which can lead to ground water contamination.

Prevent Blindness Nebraska, in partnership with Region 9 Brain Team, will be offering vision screenings, at no charge, for youths ages 3 � 17. Certified vision screeners use the non-invasive, objective screening tool, the SureSight, for children 3 � 5 and an acuity screening for children 6 � 17 years old. These vision screenings will be available from 8AM � 1PM both Saturday and Sunday.

Also available for children will be a screening to detect recent exposure to lead. Lead is a powerful neurotoxin that interferes with the development and functioning of almost all body organs; particularly the kidneys, red blood cells, and central nervous system. In young children, lead retards the development of the central nervous system and brain. Exposure to lead can cause reduced IQ, reading and learning disabilities, attention deficit disorder and behavioral problems.
Cost for the lead poisoning screening is $10 and is encouraged for children ages 1 � 5. The screening involves a quick finger-stick so that blood can be drawn.

Screenings this year include sleep apnea for both adults and children. More than just loud snoring, sleep apnea can affect job or school performance, relationships, and health. Respiratory therapists will be on hand to do the screening and to provide additional information on sleep health and sleep medicine.

The bone density screening requires participants to make an appointment and pay for the screening at the screening booth. Appointments need to be made for the Peripheral Arterial Disease or Leg Alert screening as well.

Height, weight, vision, hearing, lung function and an oral cancer screening are offered at no cost. DermaScan, which scans for sun damage to the face and ears will be available as well, for no cost.

Health Fair visitors can also take advantage of the many educational booths that will be set up. There will be information about services for senior citizens, diabetes education, stroke awareness, drug abuse awareness and mental health to name a few. The Nebraska Soybean Board will be on hand to distribute food samples using soybeans.

The Health Fair is a community event sponsored by Central Community College, Mary Lanning Memorial Healthcare, Good Samaritan Society � Hastings Village, South Heartland District Health Department and the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors.

The Vital Signs Health Fair will be held from 7AM � 1PM at the Adams County Fairgrounds, March 24 - 25.

I-80 construction to begin at Giltner exit March 26

I-80 construction work is scheduled to begin the week of March 26 between exit 324 at Giltner and exit 338 at Hampton, NDOR said. Lane closures and a 12-foot width restriction will be in place. Completion is anticipated in October.

Construction is scheduled to begin this week on I-80 between exit 372.7 at Goehner and exit 381.7 at Milford, according to the Nebraska Department of Roads.

Eastbound and westbound single lane closures will be scheduled day and night. A width restriction of 12 feet will be in place to accommodate bridge repairs. Completion is anticipated in June.

Senator Les Seiler Weekly Column - March 16, 2012

Greetings from the Nebraska State Capitol. This week the Nebraska Legislature debated one of the most important priorities of every session, the budget. The state budget is a two (2) year budget. During legislative sessions held in odd-numbered years the budget is created and proposed, in even-numbered year sessions, like the present session, modifications are made to the last budget.

Three (3) budget bills advanced from the Appropriations Committee adjusting the budget to $7.1 billion for 2011-13, $3.5 billion for 2011-12, $3.6 billion in 2012-13. After an informative and sometimes contentious debate, all three (3) bills advanced to select file. However, just because the three (3) bills advanced to select file does not mean that the debate and amendments are over. I would like to highlight each bill and discuss its current content.

LB 968 was introduced by Speaker of the Legislature, Mike Flood, on behalf of the Governor. Amended by committee this bill allocates funds to some key services in Nebraska. $17 million dollars are appropriated to the Department of Health and Human Services to cover the costs associated with the reform and to fund efforts of the child welfare system. This money will help bridge that gap and will also assist in reducing the DHHS case worker case load. Almost $10 million will partially restore the 1.5 percent of a 2.5 percent cut in Medicaid provider rates. The legislature previously cut 2.5% in rates. However with an improved financial status and concerns about losing Medicaid providers, the Appropriations Committee reinstated this funding. This will affect the doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals that serve Medicaid patients. Approximately $4 million dollars will be allocated to help Nebraskans currently on the developmental disability waiting list. This will assist more than 200+ Nebraska residents out of 1800 residents who are currently on that list waiting for those valuable services.
$6 million has been designated for the design and construction of a Veterinary Diagnostic Center at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln campus. The current facility has problems with its ventilation, building design, risk of cross-contamination, among others. These problems are jeopardizing the certification of the current Center which could result in the current Center being shut down.
$9 million dollars will be transferred to the Governor\'s Emergency Program, which helps cover the costs associated with natural disasters. In order to obtain funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and the city and county of the disaster, must match a portion of the funds. Because of the active natural disaster season we faced last year, the fund is depleted and this will aid in restoring it so Nebraska is prepared for any future natural disaster.
LB 131, introduced by Senator Heidemann, chairman of the Appropriations Committee, would provide additional funding for projects from the cash reserve fund. This fund, commonly referred to as the �rainy day fund�, is important and vital to the State of Nebraska. In tough economic times when the State faced substantial shortfalls, the �rainy day fund� helped fill in the budget gaps.
LB 131 and its amendment, would transfer $50 million for a cancer research center at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) in Omaha. The total project is expected to cost $110 million, the State will only cover $50 million of the costs as long as $60 million is funded privately. LB 131 also appropriates $15 million dollars to build and expand the UNMC College of Nursing and School of Allied Health Professions at the University of Nebraska in Kearney. Peru State College will receive $7.5 million to renovate and improve the Oak Bowl, where the football team plays its game. Approximately $7 million will assist in updating and expanding the Armstrong Gymnasium at Chardon State College. Finally, $800,000 will help renovate the Centennial Mall area in Lincoln. After these transfers, $341 million dollars would remain in the state\'s cash reserve fund. The Legislature has been assured this balance is sufficient for the �rainy day fund.�
Lastly, LB 969 introduced by the Speaker on behalf of the Governor, will authorize the transfer of several funds. A proposed amendment which would create the State Colleges Sport Facilities Fund stirred up a significant amount of debate. This fund would be made up of transfers from the Civic and Community Center Financing Fund, along with gifts, grants, and other contributions. Under the amendment, $250,000 would be transferred annually, until 2014, from the Civic and Community Financing Fund to the State College Sports Facilities Cash Fund. In 2015, this transfer would increase to $400,000 each year. As mentioned on the floor, this fund is critical for smaller communities and great care should be used to avoid depetion of the Civic and Community Financing Fund. This fund is comprised of turnback revenues from the Omaha CenturyLink Arena. Although there were reservations about dedicating funds to fund state college facilities, I believe it is an appropriate compromise and our facilities, which serve our smaller and more rural communities, will be protected.
While all three (3) bills advanced, I anticipate there will be a significant amount of debate as these bills move toward final passage. The Legislature must pass a carefully crafted and thoughtful budget. I will be engaged and involved during the upcoming debate.
As always please do not hesitate to contact my office if I can be of any assistance to you or your family. My State Capitol office number is (402) 471-2712 and email address is lseiler@leg.ne.gov.

Pasture Management Seminar to be held March 29

The 23 million acres of rangeland in Nebraska are mostly grassland and are primarily devoted to grass production for Nebraska\'s multibillion-dollar beef cattle industry. Nebraska\'s rangelands are inherently productive, and potential returns from efficient management practices are high for livestock producers. Improper grazing will alter vegetation, allowing undesirable weed species to replace desired vegetation. When desired plants are overgrazed they weaken and die, which opens a niche for invaders (brush species, general weeds, noxious weeds, and invasive species).
A Pasture Management Seminar will be held at College Park in Grand Island on Thursday March 29th, 2012. It runs from 10:00 a.m. � 1:00 p.m. with lunch provided. The focus is on the principles and management of the fertility in pastures, grazing patterns, & herbicides for brush, trees, and noxious and invasive species.
Scott Ohnoutka � a DuPont Retail Account Manager will be discussing some new herbicides for noxious and general weed control in rangelands.
Abe Smith � a Dow AgroScience Range and Pasture Specialist will be discussing cattle grazing patterns and some new herbicides for weed and brush control.
Mark Hinze � the UNL Hall County Extension Educator will be talking about the fertility of pastures and rangelands and how the pH of soils affects the uptake of other nutrients.
Rob Schultz � is the Hall/Howard County Weed Superintendent and will be giving an update on some predator control options, noxious and invasive species control options, and some brush control options.

The economic success of livestock production is dependent on proper use of all forage resources and management techniques. Farmers and ranchers have many options available to them to provide the most grass possible in a growing season. This seminar will discuss the resources that are available to producers to help them produce and manage their pastures more efficiently. In turn that means the more grass that is produced, means more pounds of beef per acre and that equals a higher return for your operation. For more information on this seminar contact Rob Schultz at the Hall County Weed Control, 308-385-5097.

Governor\'s Weekly Column - March 16, 2012

Nebraskans Prepare for Severe Weather

Dear Fellow Nebraskans:

Today I want to remind Nebraskans that the severe weather season is beginning and all of us need to take steps to be ready. Last year our state suffered record flooding along the Platte and Missouri Rivers. Promoting preparedness for flooding and severe weather can help prevent serious injury and loss of life and property across our state.

Last year was a record-breaking year for tornados across the United States. More than 1,700 were reported with more than 1,000 weather-related fatalities across the nation as well as 8,000 injuries. In Nebraska, there were nearly 20 tornadoes on June 20 alone.

These tragic losses fuel the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's resolve to build a weather-ready nation. That's weather-ready not weather proof. Severe weather can strike anywhere and anytime. I want Nebraskans to be prepared.

This year Nebraska had its first-ever confirmed tornado in the month of February. Already this year tornadoes have hit communities in Indiana, Illinois, Tennessee, Alabama and Kentucky. One of the best ways we can prepare is by working together.

The devastating impacts of extreme events can be reduced through improved readiness. Individuals need to recognize hazards and understand terms such as tornado watch which means conditions are favorable for a tornado to develop and tornado warning which means a tornado has been detected by radar or reported by storm spotters and be prepared to act appropriately.

We are lucky to live during a time when there are multiple mediums of communication to be aware of and prepare for approaching severe weather. Weather radios, phone apps, private company alerts, television, radio and the weather service are available to provide information on approaching severe weather. Find a trusted source and use it to stay informed.

Before an event occurs is the time to prepare for severe weather. Listen carefully to instructions from local officials and take the recommended protective measures to safeguard life and property.

Important items to have ready in case of an emergency include a battery-powered radio, flashlight with extra batteries, medicines, non-perishable food, a hand-operated can opener, a utility knife, and first aid supplies. Be sure to copy important documents, such as medical records, contracts, property deeds, leases, banking records, insurance records, and birth certificates and keep them in a safe place. For more ideas on how to be prepared, visit www.Ready.gov.

I encourage our citizens to take steps to ensure families, homes and businesses are prepared for a possible emergency. Let's all work together to keep Nebraskans safe.

Spring Heart & Hands Volunteer Program Provided by UNL Extension

GRAND ISLAND - The University of Nebraska - Lincoln Extension is proud to bring volunteers in the
community the Heart & Hands Program. The program will be held Tuesday, April 3 at the UNL Extension meeting room at College Park starting at 6:30 p.m. This educational program will be presented by UNL Extension 4-H Youth Development Educators.

The Heart & Hands educational program line-up includes:

✖ Ready. Set. Delegate! Explore why you should delegate, when to delegate and
when not to delegate, and how to use technology as a time-saver when communicating
with youth.

✖ Revive Through Humor Mix behavior management suggestions with a healthy dose of humor to revive your youth group.

✖ Guess Who's Stressed Identify your stressors and gain techniques to eliminate or
reduce stress for you and the youth you work with.

✖ Energize! Hands-on Application Stations Discover fun, entrepreneurial, stressreducing
projects to create with youth.

Program pre-registration fee is $10, $15 at the door. For more information about the Heart & Hands program, or to receive a program flyer, please contact UNL Extension in Hall County at 385-5088,online at www.hall.unl.edu, or contact D'Ette Scholtz at
dscholtz2@unl.edu

2012 GROW Nebraska MarkeTECH Conference Offers Training on Technology Skills to Nebraska Businesses

HOLBROOK - Technology can help you win business clients, is here to stay and continues to change. Are you changing with the times?

GROW Nebraska is ready to help you learn and grow your business exponentially at the 2012 MarkeTECH Conference in North Platte, NE on April 18th at Mid Plains Community College and April 19th at the Holiday Inn Express.

GROW Nebraska is a 501(c) 3 non-profit which helps grow Nebraska businesses one at a time through promotion, marketing and education. GROW believes there is nothing more important in sustaining a business than marketing, promotion and awareness.

GROW Nebraska is offering this educational event to grow both member and non-member businesses. MarkeTECH is an event focused on energizing small business owners with new fun technology-based opportunities.

Event organizer Joy Marshall said, \"This is an outstanding venue to learn new technology techniques that will help small business owners expand their business without being an expert themselves. Attendees at this event will learn ways to increase their income potential with easy and fun technology tools.\" Keynote speaker will be Paige Cahill of Constant Contact.

The event offers high-quality educational sessions and exhibitor booths with ample networking opportunities for attendees. The dynamic combination of expert presenters and essential service providers will prove to be an outstanding way to innovate, develop and grow small business owners.

Contact Joy Marshall, joym@performanceplanners.org or 402-614-5558 with any questions or go to grownebraska.org/marketech/ to learn more and register for the opportunity you don't want to miss.

Crane Trust to sell several parcels of land

WOOD RIVER - The Crane Trust, a non-profit conservation organization dedicated to protecting and maintaining critical habitat along the Platte for cranes and other migratory species, has announced the strategic sale of select properties to improve efficiency and provide greater flexibility in responding to conservation needs and opportunities.

Approximately 1,000 acres of cropland and pastureland owned by the Crane Trust will be sold at public auction on May 15, 2012. The Crane Trust originally purchased this non-critical habitat years ago as an investment to either be sold at a later date or traded for property/critical habitat consistent with its mission.

\"This sale,\" says Crane Trust President and CEO Chuck Cooper, \"will allow us to focus our resources more efficiently on preserving and restoring habitat for cranes and other migratory species. Strategically, it also puts us in a better position to be able to respond to conservation needs and opportunities going forward.\"

The Crane Trust currently owns and manages approximately 10,000 acres, situated in 12 different locations spanning a 60-mile stretch of the Platte River Valley. The Trust also owns and oversees conservation easements on approximately 3,000 additional acres along the Platte River.

\"Conservation easements are an important part of the Crane Trust\'s overall conservation strategy\", says Cooper. \"While the property owner can continue to use the land for other purposes, such as farming or livestock grazing, the easement ensures those uses don\'t interfere with the needs of cranes and other migratory species\"

Farmers National Company will conduct the public auction on behalf of the Crane Trust on May 15, 2012, at 1:00 p.m. at the Quality Inn at the I-80/Hwy 281 interchange south of Grand Island. For more information and details about the sale properties, contact Tim Johnson at Farmers National Company, (308) 382-9311.

Senator Annette Dubas\' Weekly Column - March 9, 2012

With budget books in hand the Legislature begins scrutinizing the numbers and making financial decisions that will impact the state today and into the next budget cycle. One such decision involves improving the existing Veterinary Diagnostic Center. This lab facility may not receive much public attention but it is a very critical asset to our state. Its importance relates to human health as much as animal health.

By collaborating with the Nebraska Public Health Laboratories it provides diagnostic capabilities for infectious, toxicological and genetic diseases that directly affect both human and animal health. The Center tracks communicable diseases such as avian flu, West Nile virus, E. coli, pseudorabies, and more. Because of monthly reports which identify designated diseases, Nebraska�s lab acts as part of the backbone of the United States Disease Surveillance System.

The current facility was completed in 1975. Efforts to keep it up-to-date and meet bio-security needs have fallen short which puts our national accreditation in jeopardy. Having an accredited facility ensures our ability to safeguard public health along with Nebraska�s livestock and companion animal industries. Our lab is key to caring for our wildlife population as well; with Nebraska Game and Parks the lab aided in detecting chronic wasting disease in our deer and captive elk population and continues to closely monitor the situation.

The work done by the diagnostic lab in the areas of devastating cattle and hog diseases has given them a well known and respected reputation. They focus on providing accurate and timely diagnostic services 365 days a year, improving animal and public health through disease surveillance, developing new diagnostic testing methods, supporting food safety and infectious disease research, training Nebraska veterinary students and supporting continuing education for Nebraska veterinarians and livestock producers.

By housing a veterinary diagnostic center at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln, lab scientists are able to teach, conduct research and facilitate continuing education, but an accredited lab is required for these professionals to do their work. The loss of accreditation would impact our ability to recruit qualified faculty. In turn, this could adversely impact our very successful veterinary program partnership with Iowa State University which allows Nebraska students to begin their pre-veterinary education at home.

The Appropriations Committee is recommending a general fund commitment of $6.1 million for ten years to replace the existing outdated and deficient building. By making this pledge we would be given provisional accreditation with the expectation of a new building in the next five years. It is only because of the exceptional work of the lab and its dedicated staff that we have been given this grace period.

Protection of public safety is a vital role of the government and justifies expending state resources on a new veterinary diagnostic center. This is not a luxury item but an expense that is critical to Nebraskans public health and our all important livestock industry. As always, feel free to contact my office by phone at 402-471-2630, write to me at State Capitol, c/o District 34, PO Box 94604, Lincoln, NE 68509-4604, follow me on twitter @proud_farm_gal or email me at adubas@leg.ne.gov with any questions or concerns.

Legislator\'s Weely Column - Lee Seiler

I am thoroughly enjoying my time here at the Nebraska Legislature. It has been an interesting and informative process to participate in committee hearings and floor debate. I have also had a great time communicating with the constituents of District 33, at my coffees, e-mails, telephone calls, and just in and around the district. I appreciate your input on the issues by offering your opinions.

In early January, the University of Nebraska announced a $450 million Building a Healthier Nebraska initiative. This initiative included 4 projects, a $110 million cancer research center at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, a $55 million new Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, a $17 million nursing facility at UNL, and a $18 million new nursing and allied health professions college at the University of Nebraska at Kearney. Due to the uncertainty in the economy there was some concern as to how much funding from the State these projects would receive. This week the Appropriations Committee finalized their 2012 budget recommendations by advancing 3 budget bills totaling $7.2 billion to be debated by the body of the Legislature. In the recommendation, the committee appropriated $15 million to the University of Nebraska at Kearney initiative. The remaining $3 million will be raised privately and the $15 million in state funds will not be rewarded until that $3 million is raised. This is great importance for central Nebraska and is positive news.

These funds will support two projects that are needed in rural Nebraska. This would include a 30,000 square foot addition to the already existing UNK-based UNMC nursing facility. The expansion would be able to accommodate about 40 more nursing students to its already 124 nursing student population.

It would also create the UNK-based UNMC allied health profession program that would accept around 46 students when it is fully implemented. The current School of Allied Health (SAHP) on the University of Nebraska Medical Center campus is only able to accept 25% of its applicants. Allied health programs include physical therapy, physician assistant, clinical laboratory science, diagnostic medical sonography and radiography. The area hospitals, Mary Lanning, Good Samaritan, and St. Francis Medical, will be used for clinical experience for these students if the hospitals agree. Creating a program at UNK would provide access to students from central and western Nebraska along with a greater opportunity for these students, once they graduate, to stay in the tri-city area.

There is a great need to expand both of these programs in the central part of Nebraska. There is a demand for medical professionals in rural Nebraska and this will allow those students to stay close to home. It will expand the pool of health professionals in an area that is desperately needed. We know as the number of older citizens increases and the focus on wellness and prevention continues to grow there will be a greater demand for more people in the health care field. This is the perfect opportunity to make sure that Nebraska medical specialist stay where they are needed in the State. I am excited for this project and the great impact it will have in our area.

As always please do not hesitate to contact my office if I can be of any assistance to you or your family. My State Capitol office number is (402) 471-2929 and you can always reach me by email at lseiler@leg.ne.gov.

Governor\'s Weekly Column - March 9, 2012

Dear Fellow Nebraskans:

Each year in March, we celebrate the hard work and dedication of our Nebraska farmers and ranchers, and we recognize our agricultural industry�s contributions to our state. Nebraska�s agricultural sector is the top segment of our state�s economy and one of the key reasons our state is financially stronger at than most other states in the country.

In honor of Nebraska Agriculture Week, I will travel to Ainsworth, Alliance and Grand Island for ag events to highlight the importance of our farmers, ranchers and agribusinesses. I will be joined by ag leaders in our state, including Agriculture Director Greg Ibach and Steve Nelson, President of Nebraska Farm Bureau.

Nebraska is the fourth largest agricultural state in the country. We are a leading producer of commodities ranging from cattle and hogs, to pinto and Great Northern beans, popcorn, corn and soybeans.

The demand for Nebraska�s food products has enabled our state economy to remain strong and there is potential for us to do even more. By the year 2050, the world�s population is expected to increase by nearly 2 billion people. Nebraska�s farmers and ranchers are ready to respond to the growing demand for safe and wholesome food products.

With that demand, comes the need for more Nebraskans to work in agricultural related fields, including biofuels and renewable energy, transportation, warehousing and logistics, hospitality and tourism, food processing, research and development and the biosciences. There is an important time for our youth to get involved in agriculture.

It is also important that those who are not directly involved in the industry have an understanding of where their food, fuel and fiber come from. If you have questions about food production, I encourage you to ask a local farmer or rancher. They will be happy to share with you what they do every day. Our farmers and ranchers are proud of their work ethic, their care of their animals and their good stewardship of the land.

Nebraska�s farmers and ranchers truly are feeding our families, and that was the theme of the 2012 Nebraska Department of Agriculture poster contest. This year, more than 1,400 elementary school students took part in the contest, submitting drawings to depict �Nebraska Agriculture: Feeding My Family.� The winners are posted online at www.agr.ne.gov.

I want to thank the students, families and agriculture organizations who were part of our Nebraska Agriculture Week celebration. Our farmers and ranchers impact the lives of every Nebraskan. I encourage you to take the time to thank them for what they do.

Hornets win opening game of state tournament

LINCOLN � Many things about Giltner�s opening round 61-36 victory over Hayes Center were similar to Hornets\' district final against Loomis.

First off, the referees were the same.

Secondly the Hornets started slowly for one half before ending the first half on a run that provided the momentum for the big second half.

Thirdly, the Hornets emerged victorious and moved on in the postseason.

�This is just one more step to where we wanted to go,� Giltner head coach Matt Drew said. �There wasn�t too much celebration. It was kind of like the district final. We just want to do what we�re expected to do and we came out and did it.�

Giltner fell behind 2-0 right out of the gate on an offensive rebound by Michael Boyd, but answered with six-consecutive points to go up 6-2 with 4:20 remaining in the first quarter of the 9 a.m. game at Lincoln Northeast.

The Hornets then were outscored 8-2 during the next 3:26 to trail 10-8. Ethan Kreutz then hit a three-point and Garrett Poppen scored to put Giltner up 13-10 with 33.4 seconds left. After a Hayes Center three-pointer tied the game, Kreutz knocked down a long two-point shot just before the buzzer to make it 15-13 at the end of the first quarter.

The Hornets were whistled for seven fouls in the first quarter.

Giltner�s defense held Hayes Center scoreless for the first 4:11 of the second quarter.

�In the second quarter, they went to a zone and it kind of took us out of our comfort zone a little bit and I kind of felt like we quit being aggressive,� Hayes Center coach Louis Cuellar said. �As we�ve learned in the past, at the state tournament, you have to be the aggressive team for 32 minutes, especially against a team like Giltner, who is hands down the top team in the state in my mind.�

However the Hornets were only able to get baskets by
Ryan Kleier at the 5:20 mark and Trevor Poppen at the 4:24 mark to lead 19-13. Another key to Giltner�s run was picking up the second and third fouls on Boyd early in the second quarter.

Hayes Center rallied to get within 24-23 on an offensive rebound by Boyd with 1:39 left.

�We weren�t very sharp in the first half,� Kreutz said.

Drew Ott made a hoop and Kreutz had two baskets, including one with one second left in the first half to push Giltner�s lead back to 30-23 by halftime.

�That�s kind of our game plan,� said Kreutz, who hit the game-winning shot at the buzzer against Wauneta-Palisade in the 2011 championship game. �In practice when we do time situations we usually try to get the ball in my hands. If it�s there, dump it to Drew. Luckily I hit a couple today.�

Giltner carried over the momentum after halftime with a 10-2 start to the third quarter. Ott had five of those points while Jake Findley knocked down a three-pointer and Kleier also scored to push the lead to 40-25 with 4:37 left in the third quarter.

Ott scored four more of his team-high 18 points and Garrett and Trevor Poppen each scored to extend Giltner�s lead to 48-28 after three quarters.

�I told Drew he�s the strongest kid on the floor,� Drew said. �Their fouls, they don�t matter. If he gets hit, it shouldn�t matter. These refs, we had them at districts. They�re going to let you play and we like that style. He had to muscle up and he did the second half.�

Things were somewhat sloppy in the fourth quarter as Ott scored four more points, Kreutz added two and Jared Hastings knocked down a three-pointer. Dillon Bieck also got on the scoreboard with a basket.

Kreutz finished with 11, Dustin Hastings added three points and 10 rebounds, Findley had six, Trevor Poppen had six, Garrett Poppen had six, Kleier had four, Jared Hastings finished with three and Dylan Hinrichs and Bieck each had two.

�I wish we would have trusted them a little more during the season but it�s tough to bring Drew and Kreutz out during games,� Drew said of his bench. �Garrett Poppen played a great game. Kyle Hawthorne played more minutes than he usually plays. It was good to see those guys step up.�

Giltner was scheduled to face Wynot at 7 p.m. at the Pershing Center in a rematch of the 2011 semifinal.

�They are a good team and are good enough to beat us if we don�t bring our A game,� Kreutz said.