The Doniphan Herald

Talent Night and BBQ in Trumbull April 27

TRUMBULL - From singers, to drummers, to comedians, a variety of the area's talented entertainers will perform Saturday evening at the Trumbull Community Center as part of the first annual Trumbull Talent Night. The event will kick off with a barbecue dinner, catered by Skeeter Barnes, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

The event is sponsored by Trumbull United Methodist Church. Pastor Travis King said his church had wanted to hold an event that could involve the entire area community.

"This event was kind of an idea of one of the ladies at the church," he said. "We've been looking for something to do in the community and something for the community to get together.

"We thought this would be a good way to get people together and enjoy some food and music," he added.

The event will feature a variety of local talent from Trumbull, Harvard, Doniphan and Hastings, including the Doniphan Drumline, a local comedian, singers from the area and more. Additional talent is welcome to perform, King said.

The evening will conclude with an interactive drum circle performance by Rev. Kelly Karges of the Doniphan and Rosedale United Methodist Churches.

"It's going to be good food, great entertainment, good fellowship and just fun to get together," King said.

Everyone is welcome to attend the event, King said. There is no cost, but a free will offering will be taken toward the cost of the barbecue. If you are interested in performing at the event, contact Travis King at tlking13@windstream.net or 402-720-3337 by Friday evening.

Chad Allen Spencer, 1988-2013

LINCOLN - Chad Allen Spencer 24, of Lincoln, Neb., formerly of Doniphan, died Saturday, April 20, 2013 in Lancaster County due to a car accident on April 20, 2013.

Services will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, April 25, 2013 at Doniphan United Methodist Church in Doniphan with the Rev. Kelly Karges officiating. Burial will be in Cedarview Cemetery in Doniphan.�There will be no visitation.�

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the family to be designated at a later date.�Apfel Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Chad Allen Spencer was born June 11, 1988, at Mary Lanning Hospital in Hastings the son of John and Beckie (Hubert) Spencer.�Chad attended Doniphan-Trumbull High School graduating with the class of 2007.�

He graduated from University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a Bachelors Degree in Business was currently pursing his Masters Degree at Doane College.

Chad was employed at Nationwide Insurance Company and also in the office at Sams Club.

Survivors include his parents John and Beckie Spencer of Grand Island; an older brother, Brad of Lincoln, Nebraska; his grandparents, John and Shirley Spencer of Grand Island; his dog, Josie; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and a host of friends.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Lester and Irene Hubert.

Online condolences may be directed to the family at www.apfelfuneralhome.com
�

Eloise M. Imler

Eloise M. Imler
1939-2013

DONIPHAN - Doniphan resident, Eloise M. Imler, 74, passed away Tuesday, April 16, 2013 at her home.
Memorial Services were April 20, 2013, at the United Methodist Church, Doniphan, with Rev. Kelly Karges officiating. Burial was in Cedarview Cemetery, Doniphan, Nebraska.

Eloise was born March 12, 1939 south of Formoso, Jewell County, Kansas, to Floyd S. and Nita A. (Clark) Dunstan. She graduated from Formoso High School and attended and graduated from Lamar Community College in Lamar, Colorado.

Eloise married Paul E. Imler on September 27, 1959; in Formoso, Kansas, and he preceded her in death on April 24, 2008. Paul worked in construction and they moved for his job throughout Nebraska. Eloise was a homemaker and worked as a seamstress and a cook for Doniphan Public Schools. She was a member of United Methodist Church in Doniphan. Eloise was an awesome seamstress and cook.

Eloise was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Paul E. Imler; and sister, Janice Dunstan Cooper.
Survivors include children and spouses: Randy Imler - Doniphan, NE, Brenda and Dan Hansen - Deweese, NE, Julie Longfellow - Kearney, NE, Roger and Paula Imler - Grand Island, NE; grandchildren: Evan Hansen, Charlie Imler, Bailey Hansen, Taylor Hansen, Melissa Imler, Jaden Longfellow, Justin Imler; great-granddaughter: Ella-Jean Marie Imler; siblings and spouses: Eugene Dunstan - Jewell, KS, Raymond and Roxy Dunstan - Meridian, ID, Olive June and Charles Russell - Webber, KS.

Memorials may be given to Doniphan Fire & Rescue.
Livingston Butler Volland Funeral Home & Cremation Center is serving the family. Private condolences may be sent to the family at www.lbvfh.com.

My Funny Valentine: Local couple shares life, laughter for more than 60 years

"That's why I've got to listen to her - because she's older than me," laughed Harry Wilson, 81, joking with his wife, Dorothy, 83.

Harry is less than two years younger than Dorothy, his bride of nearly 60 years, but anyone who's around the rural Trumbull couple for more than a few minutes can see that it's in their nature to playfully kid each other - they're quick to share a laugh, a joke or a funny story.

Today marks Harry and Dorothy's 58th Valentine's Day together as husband and wife. But if it would have been up to Dorothy's nursing school housemother, Dorothy and Harry might never have gotten together.

Dorothy, a 1947 graduate of Arapahoe High School, moved to Hastings and began nursing school. Harry, a 1949 graduate of Trumbull High School, became acquainted with Dorothy through his sister.

On more than one occasion, Harry showed up on the steps of Dorothy's nursing school residence to take her out. For reasons they still don't quite understand, Dorothy's housemother would lie to Harry and tell him that Dorothy was already out for the evening. Then the housemother would proceed to do the unthinkable - set him up with another girl.

"No kidding," Harry laughed. "She lined me up with a different girl every night."

But Harry was persistent. He already knew that the only girl for him was Dorothy. One night when the housemother told him Dorothy was gone, he saw a wave from an upstairs window. It was Dorothy. She walked straight past the housemother, out the door and into Harry's arms.

And the rest is history.

The couple dated for a few years while Dorothy finished nursing school. When she spent a three-month semester attending a nursing rotation in Chicago, Harry came out to visit her. The two got engaged and all was good until Harry was sent overseas to Japan and Korea in the U.S. military.

But even though they were separated by an ocean and many months apart, Dorothy and Harry made it work. They exchanged regular letters and Dorothy sent her fianc� a care package every week.

"I wish I still had all of the money I spent on postage," she joked.

Dorothy said she always sent cookies - usually chocolate chip - and it wasn't until much later that she found out Harry doesn't care much for chocolate chip cookies. But Harry never complained. He was thrilled to receive the care packages from his future wife, and so were his military buddies who happily helped themselves to the cookies - many times without asking first.

While Harry was deployed, Dorothy worked and spent time planning her wedding. She sewed her own wedding gown and bridesmaids dresses.

The couple wasn't allowed to talk on the phone even once during Harry's time overseas, so his homecoming in the spring of 1954 was sure to be a memorable one. And Harry's prankster buddies did their best to make sure the occasion would be even more memorable - for Dorothy, at least.

You see, Harry was never a drinker. But something happened that April night. Harry was to arrive on the Zephyr from Colorado Springs at around 3 a.m. and Dorothy would be waiting for him. During that long train ride home, unbeknownst to Harry, his buddies slipped a bit of the giggle water into what he thought were non-alcoholic drinks.

"I never drank in my life, and by the time I got into town it was affecting me," he said.

Though Harry's memory is still a little spotty from that night, the outcome must have been a good one. A week later the couple was married on a snowy day at the United Methodist Church Hastings.

After a brief honeymoon in Kansas City, the young couple moved to rural Inland into the upstairs of Harry's great aunt's house. Sadly, his aunt passed away shortly after. They've lived there ever since and looking out the picture windows on the south side of their home, you can see the farm where Harry was raised less than a mile away.

Dorothy worked as a nurse for many years in Hastings - first at Dr. Foote's ear, nose and throat clinic, then at the hospital. Harry farmed with his father, and eventually opened a trucking company.

The couple adopted four-month-old Dan, their oldest, in 1959, then one-month-old Judy in 1966. Harry remembers the days well when he got the good news that each of the children were ready to adopt.

"When we heard about Dan, I was shelling corn down here that day and we got called to get to Lincoln right away. 'We have a little boy,' they said. We were so excited we left right in the middle of everything," Harry said.

Dan and Judy both graduated from Trumbull High School, and Judy married fellow THS grad Greg Buhr. Harry and Dorothy now have five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

The Wilsons have shared a lifetime of memories. To mark their 50th anniversary, the couple celebrated with a crowd of more than 600 in a reception at the Interstate Holiday Inn. They also enjoy traveling and went to Germany and Austria last fall. When Judy was a senior, the family hosted a foreign exchange student from Finland and they traveled to Finland to attend the exchange student's wedding.

They talked of the huge meals Dorothy used to cook for Harry and the hired help and of Harry's passion for classic tractors, and previously, for race cars.

They told of when they wanted to surprise their daughter, Judy, at her wedding. Harry and Dorothy had never danced before, but the couple secretly took dance lessons. They practiced. And they practiced some more.

"We practiced," Dorothy said. "We went outside in the shop in the dark and practiced."

On the night of their daughter's wedding, they took the dance floor and to the surprise of everyone, they danced.

In recent years, the couple has struggled with Harry's health issues. In 2001, he went though a 7-bypass heart surgery. He is now battling cancer, waiting to hear if he's in remission. But they keep on going, and they keep on laughing. These days, Harry and Dorothy attend several sporting events each week. They've enjoyed going to many of the D-T basketball games this season, cheering for their grandson, senior Creighton Buhr.

Harry and Dorothy said they don't have a secret, per se, as to why they've stayed together all of these years. But it's obvious that they simply enjoy each other's company.

"Secret? I don't have one," Dorothy said. "You have to work at it and you have to put forth the effort to see the other person's view."

"Everything just seemed to work good," Harry said. "We just never really had any troubles; we never broke up. It's been a really good thing."

Doniphan sales tax extension approved

Both measures that Doniphan residents voted upon in the Feb. 12 mail-in election passed. The first was approved 160 to 28, and the second 152 to 37. This will extend Doniphan\'s 1 percent sales tax an additional 10 years through 2029. Much of the revenue will go toward the new Doniphan Area Event Center scheduled to open this September. See the Feb. 21 Doniphan Herald for more information.

Doniphan to have mail-in sales tax election, ballots due Feb. 12

DONIPHAN - Doniphan's voters will soon have an opportunity to decide whether or not to extend the 1 percent village sales tax an additional 10 years.

All registered voters within Doniphan's village limits are eligible to vote in the election.

The sales tax will not be increased, just extended for an additional 10 years to help pay for the new Doniphan Area Event Center, said Doniphan Economic Development Corporation President Terry Connick. The majority of the revenue from the tax goes toward the community center, which is scheduled to be complete this fall.

"Originally, the sales tax plan was set up to go for a period of 10 years, so it would expire in 2019," Connick said. "With the construction of the new community events center, to make repayment of financing feasible we need to extend that period an additional 10 years to 2029.

"It's not an increase in the tax, it's just an extension of time," he added. "It's vital that this passes for the completion of the Doniphan Area Event Center."

This will be an all-mail election, with ballots mailed to registered voters in the Village of Doniphan this week. Ballots must be returned to the election commissioner by 5 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 12. Ballots arriving after that time will not be counted.

"Originally, the plan was that the sales tax was enacted to make the reality of an event center a possibility," Connick said. "Now that reality has happened and we need it extended to ensure that the building can be paid for."

The DEDC is exploring a number of additional ways to help pay for the $2 million community center, including more fundraisers and grant applications, Connick said. A grant writer for the DEDC recently sent in an application for a Peter Kiewit Foundation Grant in the amount of $525,000. Kiewit grant awards will be announced in March.

"We are exploring other grant opportunities, which we will also be applying for to help with the cost of the project," Connick said.

Connick spoke at a Doniphan Senior Center lunch last week and answered questions posed by longtime village residents.

The senior center, which has been located in Doniphan Town Hall since 1984, will move to the new events center building upon its completion.

Senior Center Director Marge Langan said the seniors are looking forward to the move and many are in sup- port of the events center. She expressed her support in a letter to the Peter Kiewit Foundation in support of the $525,000 grant.

"For the past 35 years, the Senior Center has been housed in a building in downtown Doniphan that is cramped, the kitchen is uninsulated (making for some frosty mornings until things get heated up)," Langan wrote. "We've tried to create an atmosphere that is warm and inviting but it still lacks that 'something' to match the energy and vitality so many of our clients bring with them when they come to the Senior Center.

"We are excited for the Event Center," she continued. "It will position the Senior Center well for the future needs of our clients and will increase the exposure of the Senior Center to more Doniphan area residents."

Doniphan\'s Plum Street Interiors to close doors

DONIPHAN - After being a huge part of the community for more than 10 years, Doniphan's Plum Street Interiors will close its doors for good Jan. 31.

Owner Brenda Sherwood said she chose to close the downtown business, which features home decor items, so she could retire.

"I am retiring so I'm selling everything," Sherwood said.

Plum Street Interiors has been a vital part of Doniphan's downtown since opening a decade ago. The store's annual Christmas Open House was a popular event that brought hundreds to the community each holiday season.

Sherwood said she will remain working at Doniphan's B&B Carpet with her husband, Bob.

"I'd like to thank all of our customers for their support over the last 10 years," Sherwood said.

Plum Street Interiors, located at 109 E. Plum St. in Doniphan, will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday through Jan. 31. They are closed Sundays, but will have extended hours until 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 17.

All Christmas, spring and fall merchandise is 75 percent off, with everyday items 40 percent off.

"Our customers have been just wonderful and our staff has been the best staff anyone could ever have," Sherwood said. "I will miss that."

Sherwood said getting to know her customers was what she enjoyed most about having her business.

"It was great just meeting all of the wonderful ladies that came in and visiting with them," she said.

Youth free throw contest

DONIPHAN - There will be a boys and girls free throw contest for ages 9 to 14 on Jan. 27 in the Doniphan-Trumbull East Gym.

The event is sponsored by the Knight of Columbus St. Ann #11824 Council. Registration is at 1 p.m., with the contest starting at 1:30 p.m. In the case of snow, the event will be postponed until Feb. 3.

For more information, contact Rich Mlinar at 308-379-6202.

Get tickets now for Back to the 80s

Don't miss out! Tickets are selling fast for the second annual Doniphan-Trumbull�Booster Club fundraiser. The event will be Friday, March 15, at 6 p.m. at the Doniphan Gun Club.

This year's theme is Back to the 80s. Prizes will be awarded for the best 80s costumes.

Tickets are $25 and include dinner, silent and live auctions, and live music from Dude Won't Die.
All proceeds will go toward upgrades in the strength and conditioning facility.

Get your ticket at a home D-T basketball game or by calling Brenda Wiltfong at 308-380-8566.

Giltner Chili Cookoff Jan. 27

GILTNER - The area community is invited to attend Giltner's Fourth annual Chili Cookoff Sunday, Jan. 27, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Giltner Community Center. Cost is a free will donation.

The event is sponsored by the Giltner Area Development Corporation and proceeds will go to help fund Giltner Autumn Fest 2013.

There is no charge for entering, but call or email to register: Janet at 402-604-8100 or jchumphrey31@gmail.com or Steph at 402-604-1070 or giltnerhall@hamilton.net.

Competitors can set up their booths on the Saturday before the event and then return before 4 p.m. on Sunday with their pot of chili.�Judging starts at 4 p.m.

George H. Wanitschke

RANCHO MIRAGE, CALIF. - George H. Wanitschke, 74, of Grand Island died December 29, 2012, at Eisenhower Medical Center in Rancho Mirage, Calif., surrounded by his wife and daughters.�

Mass of Christian Burial was Saturday, January 12, 2013, at St. Mary's Cathedral in Grand Island.�Celebrating Mass was Rev. Michael F. McDermott and Rev. Richard L. Piontkowski.�Burial was in the Grand Island Cemetery.

Visitation was Friday, January 11, 2013, with a Christian Wake Service in the Chapel of All Faiths Funeral Home.
�
Banker, farmer, avid sports fan, and animal lover at-heart George Henry Wanitschke was born to Joseph and Dorothy (Karnes) Wanitschke in Broken Bow, Neb., on February�7, 1938.

He was a graduate of Loup City High School in 1955. During his high school career, George was honored as a star football player and the Future Farmers of America Star Chapter Farmer. His high school annual senior quote read, "A farmer at heart, but he sees a lot of the city."

George married his high school sweetheart, Donna Mae Lonowski on October 21, 1957, at St. Josaphat's Church in Loup City.� They were featured in the Grand Island Independent as the Dynamic Duo and had just celebrated their 55th anniversary.�The couple worked together and was the epitome of a team.

After high school, George worked for the Union Pacific Railroad as a Crew Caller; and he learned a lot about the history of Grand Island and loved telling stories about the "old" Grand Island.�He started banking at Commercial National Bank in 1958 and attended the Wisconsin School of Banking.�In 1969, George and Donna became co-owners and Executive Officers of the Bank of Doniphan.

George loved his community and believed in progress; as a result the Grand Island Chamber of Commerce and Grand Island Economic Development were both changed to the Grand Island Area Chamber of Commerce and Grand Island Area Economic Development.�Some of the businesses he was Instrumental in bringing to the area were NPPD, Pioneer Seed Corn, and 3-D.

Throughout his life he was involved in many committees and organizations, including: Chairman of the Community Chest which is now The United Way, Chairman of 1964 Harvest of Harmony Parade, Kiwanis Club President, Charter Member Third City Kiwanis Clubs, Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus, President and Active Member of the Doniphan Volunteer Fire Department, Member of Lion's Club, Member of St. Ann's Church, Member of Doniphan Booster Club, Fundraising Chairman for Doniphan Bi-Centennial Park, Fundraising Chairman for Doniphan Ball Park Complex, Riverside Baby Beef 4-H Club Leader, Owner and Editor of The Doniphan Herald, Coach of the 1975 Girls Softball Championship Team, Grand Island Saddle Club, Charter Member, Board Member, and Treasurer; Riverside Country Club Member; Fonner Park Exposition and Events Center, Director and Key Fundraiser; Fonner Park Hall County Livestock Improvement Association, President; St. Leo's Catholic Church Member; Fairway Meadows Homeowner's Association, Director; Hall County Weed Control Board, The Hall County Judicial Selection Committee, St. Francis Medical Center Hospital Authority for 9 years, Husker Harvest Days Volunteer for 17 years, Heartland Events Center Board, Class C District Golf Starter, Ambassador of Ak-Sar-Ben, Ak-Sar-Ben Friends, Nebraska Diplomat, Mid Nebraska Ag Ambassadors, Grand Island Area Economic Development Board, Grand Island Central Catholic Foundation Board, Grand Island Central Catholic Hall of Honors; Nebraska State Fair, Member of 1868 Foundation, and an Avid Fan of DHS, GICC Crusader, UNO Maverick, and UNL Husker sports.

Survivors include his wife, Donna Lonowski Wanitschke; daughters Dorreen M. Wanitschke of Rancho Mirage, Calif., Dee A. and G.H. Hanssen of Grand Island, Darla S. Wanitschke and Ann Heermann of Lincoln, and Dena M. and Lee Norman of Grand Island; grandchildren Benjamin Hanssen and Alexandra Stricklin of Omaha, Bobbi and Nathan Hartman of Columbus, Brittany Hanssen and Justin Petersen of Omaha, Jackson, Emery, and Avery Norman of Grand Island; and he was looking forward to being a great-grandfather this month. Other survivors are his brother Frank of Grand Island; sisters Anna Marie Robison of Broken Bow and Virginia Bohl of Grand Island; many nieces and nephews; and four-legged friends, including his pal, Bentley.

George was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Dorothy Wanitschke; brothers Hubert and Charles; and sister Mary Cadwalader.

Since all of his daughters graduated from Doniphan High School, and his grandchildren graduated from Grand Island Central Catholic, a memorial scholarship fund is being established for the Doniphan/Grand Island area students.�In lieu of flowers a donation to his memorial is appreciated.

George's greatest satisfaction in life was helping others succeed.�

Condolences may be sent to www.giallfaiths.com

Gilbert E. Karges

LINCOLN - Gilbert Edward Karges was born February 12, 1931, to Gilbert S and Jessie (Rogers) Karges in Auburn, Neb. He spent his early years in Sterling, Neb., and Glendale, Calif., and returned to Nebraska when he was in the fifth grade. The farm outside Albion, Neb., was his home for most of his early school years and he treasured his years at Albion High School - being a part of the undefeated football team of 1948. He graduated high school in 1949.

Gil graduated from the University of Nebraska / Lincoln in 1953 majoring in Vocational Agriculture. He was a member of FarmHouse Fraternity. Following his ROTC training in college, he entered the Army in 1953 and served at Ft. Sill, Okla.; Fort Hood, Texas; and Camp Chaffee, Ark.

He was married to Connie (Clark) on June 7, 1953, at the Presbyterian Church in St. Edward, Neb., during a tornado storm. But, the marriage lasted for almost 60 years. To this union were born three sons - Todd, Kelly and Casey.

Following his army service, Gil was a dairy farmer for 18 years - starting on a farm in the Woodville area south of St. Edward, Neb., and then on the family farm just west of Albion. That was where he felt the call to the ministry in 1971 and went to St. Paul School of Theology in Kansas City for his training. He was ordained in the United Methodist Church in 1974.

He served a Presbyterian Church in Overland Park, Kan., while in seminary, and was appointed to United Methodist Churches in Doniphan/Rosedale and Waverly. After retirement he served Cortland United Church, and Denton / Pleasant Dale United Methodist Churches in Nebraska. His "home church" was the United Methodist Church in Albion. He recently was a retired minister at Christ United Methodist Church in Lincoln, Neb.�Gil was appointed to serve as a District Superintendent of the Central District of the Nebraska Conference of the United Methodist Church in 1990 and retired (sort of) in 1995.
Gil was an avid UNL football fan, loved playing golf, and enjoyed singing tenor in various Church choirs. He treasured his friends and colleagues.

He loved his family and enjoyed Christmas with them this past week.� He leaves to mourn his death, his widow, Connie; sons and families - Todd and wife, Dianne, their sons, Tim and wife, Elissa, Joshua, Matthew, and their daughter, Joy; Kelly and wife, Cindy, their daughters, Katie and Emily, and son Zack; Casey and his twins, daughter, Maggie and son, Michael.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Mary Beckwith; and brother, Bill Karges.

Memorial services were 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Christ United Methodist Church, 4530 A Street, Lincoln with the Rev. Jim Miller officiating. Memorials are suggested to Christ United Methodist Church.

Condolences may be left at www.bmlfh.com.

Herald purchased by longtime Doniphan residents

As some of you have heard, Jodi and I purchased the Doniphan Herald in late December from Darren and Cassie Ivy.�This is something that we have always wanted to do and look forward to the challenge it has to offer.�

For those of you who don't know us, I was born and raised in Doniphan and graduated from Doniphan High School in 1991.�I have been working at Copycat Printing in Grand Island for the past 11 years and recently was promoted to sign, design and shipping manager.�

Jodi was born and raised in Minden and graduated from Minden High School.� She is the human resources manager for Flowserve Corporation in Hastings and will celebrate 22 years there the end of the month.�

We have been married for 10 years and have two children that attend school in Doniphan.�Myles is eight and is in the third grade and Ridley is six and is in first grade.�They are both excited to be part of the Doniphan Herald!

We would like to thank Darren and Cassie for providing us this opportunity and wish them well in their future endeavors.�For the past six and a half years, they have provided us all with a great newspaper.

We are excited that we have been given an opportunity to carry on this small, yet large staple of the Doniphan, Giltner and Trumbull communities. We see this paper as an important source of insight for those who enjoy staying in touch with our local news.�We also feel that this area has so many great people who all have stories to share.�

We both plan on keeping our full-time jobs and want to let our advertisers, subscribers and readers know that Christine Hollister will continue to be on our staff. Christine is a hardworking, dedicated person who understands these communities and the small town life that they have to offer.

The transition has proved to be a little more challenging than we anticipated and we ask that the communities bear with us as we continue to learn the newspaper business.

We truly appreciate the support we have received thus far and look forward to working with each and every one of you.�A very special thank you to my parents, Larry and Pat Sadd, for supporting my vision, without their support none of this would have happened.�If you have any questions, comments or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact either one of us.

Esther Stafford

Esther Lillie Stafford, 95, of Grand Island died Wednesday, January 26, 2011 at Golden Living Center Parkplace in Grand Island.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 am Saturday at Livingston-Sondermann Funeral Home. The Reverend Rodney Armon will officiate. Burial will be in the Greeley Cemetery in Greeley, Nebraska. Visitation will be from 5-7 pm Friday at the funeral home.

Esther was born on September 27, 1915 in Greeley, Nebraska to Cameron and Lillie (Rasmussen) Moore.
She was united in marriage to Richard Pratt on July 12, 1933. The couple made their home in Greeley where they raised their son Tom and daughter Juanita. They later moved to Grand Island. Mr. Pratt preceded her in death.
Esther married Lyle Stafford on December 23, 1965. They made their home in Grand Island where she worked for many years at the Lutheran Hospital. She will be remembered for her help in raising many children and the many beautiful quilts she created. She was always full of energy and loved her many flowers and plants. She welcomed all company and was ready to make sure you had plenty to eat.

She is survived by three grandsons; David Meyer, James Pratt and Robert Pratt, eight great grandchildren and numerous relatives.

Esther was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Richard, her husband Lyle, her son Tom, her daughter Juanita Meyer, five brother s and four sisters.
Memorials are suggested to the family's choice.
Online condolences may be directed through
Livingston Sonderman Funeral Home.

Farewell Column

My fellow Nebraskans,

Four years ago you granted me the extraordinary privilege to serve as your state treasurer. Throughout my term, I have been overwhelmed by the support and gratitude that Nebraskans have shown to me for this service. With that I have strived to honor the trust that you have placed in me and live up to the promises that I made to you while campaigning for this office.

First in those promises was to provide transparency and efficiency to state government. I initiated the creation of Nebraskaspending.gov, a searchable database of every aspect of state government spending, and started a daily reconciliation of the state\'s bank accounts. I partnered with county and local governments to join the state\'s banking contracts and initiated measures to receive and disperse the state\'s money electronically. With these efficiencies I was able to reduce my staff by 25% and my budget by a negative 11%.

As an elected official I have been given a lot of the credit for the accomplishments of my office. It is because of the outstanding public servants within the state treasurer\'s office, we have been able to accomplish so much.

Without their drive and steadfast determination, we were able to turn the Nebraska State Treasurer\'s office into the most efficient State Treasurer\'s office in the nation. I am truly grateful for their service to our great state.

I believe that elected officials have the duty to fulfill the promises they make to voters, communicate their agenda and the principles that drive them in a transparent manner. During my term in office I have been guided by the principles that government should be small, efficient, and responsive to the demands of its citizens. The proof is in our accomplishments.

As I move forward into the next chapter in my life, thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve as your state treasurer. I have enjoyed my time in this office and getting to know the people of this great state.

Shane Osborn

View Oct. 7 Doniphan Herald pages

Click to view the Oct. 7 Doniphan Herald pages in color and not dark like they were in the newspaper.

Governor\'s Weekly Column - Aug. 20, 2010

Medicaid Costs to Soar Under Federal Health Care Law

Dear Fellow Nebraskans:

Since the passage of the federal health care law, I have been concerned about the cost of this law and in particular its impact on the State of Nebraska in future years. We recently asked an expert, independent firm to assess the provisions of the law. The results of their analysis are staggering.

The financial analysis reveals the new cost to the State of Nebraska to finance expanded Medicaid programs will be between $526 million and $766 million over the next 10 years.

This unfunded and unparalleled expansion of Medicaid is an unfair and unsustainable mandate on Nebraska and other states.

Conducted by an independent third party with experience consulting on the Medicaid programs for two dozen states, the analysis looked at 2011 through 2020 and provided an estimate of Nebraska's obligation for funding new and expanded Medicaid programs under the federal health care law.

Today nearly one in nine Nebraskans are enrolled in Medicaid. The expansion of Medicaid in the federal law is predicted to add 107,000 to 145,000 newly eligible Nebraskans to the program, with costs estimated to range from $526 million to $766 million.

The bottom line is that with full participation, approximately one in every five Nebraskans would be enrolled in Medicaid within 10 years.

This analysis confirms that the federal health care law is an extraordinarily large and excessive unfunded mandate for states. It confirms that this law has potentially devastating consequences for our state budget.

Medicaid is already one of state government's largest funding commitments. The law requires states to make additional funding commitment, which will be potentially devastating to the state budget. This unfunded mandate could reduce funding for the education of our children.

We balance our state budget and our residents balance their family and household budgets. This is not the way that Nebraska does business.

It is why Nebraska has joined with 20 other states in a lawsuit challenging the federal health care law. The individual mandate contained in the federal health care law requiring that every citizen purchase health insurance is an unfair requirement. The unfunded mandate on state governments to pay for the federal government's expansion of Medicaid is equally unjust and unfair.

I have said many times, this federal health care law is bad news for Nebraska and bad news for America. The results of this analysis are a first look at how bad. It is unacceptable and unfair to Nebraskans.

Governor\'s Column - Aug. 6, 2010

Dear Fellow Nebraskans:

From 1941 through 1945, our nation was engaged in the most expansive war this world has ever known. Nebraskans were called to duty so that our country would never experience the devastation that war had brought to Europe and Asia.

On the home front, military bases were constructed in several communities throughout our state so that young men and women could be trained in the military skills necessary to defeat the tyranny we faced in World War II.

The service members stationed at these bases came from Nebraska and other states throughout the country. What they all found was a second home and family-like moral support. Memories and structures still exist that remind of us of the sacrifices required of that generation. It is among the fields of one of these former bases that raises Nebraska's newest monument.

In 2006, I signed legislation to create a state veterans cemetery system to honor the service that Nebraskans have offered our nation. This system will have a multi-purpose mission. It will exist as a shrine to honor our veterans who have passed, and this cemetery will serve as a location to educate our children about patriotism and the price of freedom. Annual ceremonies held at these facilities on Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and other significant dates will allow Nebraskans to preserve our heritage and celebrate the principles by which we live.

The first of these state veteran cemeteries is currently under construction in Box Butte County. Land that was once used as an Army Airbase to train paratroopers and glider pilots has been transformed into a landscaped memorial filled with native trees and plants of Western Nebraska. Burial fields exist at the facility to house more than 8,000 veterans in their final resting place. Upright marble headstones, like the ones provided at Arlington National Cemetery, will be placed on each grave.

Once construction is complete, the Nebraska Veterans Cemetery at Alliance will provide interment and committal services for Nebraska veterans, the veteran's spouse, and their dependent children. Through this facility and the ones to follow, Nebraskans will be able to express their thanks for the sacrifices these veterans and their families endured so that our way of life is forever preserved.

On August 13, I will be in Alliance to dedicate the new cemetery that many Nebraskans already consider hallowed ground. We know that it is not legislation or a declaration that makes a piece of ground sacred, rather our recognition. The spirit of patriotism that flooded this land during WWII remains today. Henceforth, it will be accompanied by the graves of veterans and their family members to demonstrate true patriotism.

I invite all Nebraskans to attend the Dedication Ceremony of Nebraska's first state veteran cemetery. Together, we will demonstrate true gratitude and recognition that the price of freedom is never free.

Senator\'s Column - Aug. 9, 2010

After a very hectic July and early August, the Senate has adjourned for a month, giving me a great opportunity to return home to Nebraska. As you\'re reading this, I\'ve already embarked on a trip across the state and look forward to meeting with many of you at open coffees from Omaha to Oshkosh. I\'ll be offering thoughts on the recent activity in the Senate and am very interested in hearing from you about what our focus should be when Congress reconvenes in September.

The Senate accomplished some positive things before adjourning, notably passage of a child nutrition bill I supported that will improve the quality of the food our children eat every day and ensure families struggling to make ends meet don't have to worry about their kids going hungry. I was so pleased to see the Senate get this passed before recess, and it's paid for out of the budget, not by some fictitious credit card that adds to the national debt. I was also very pleased to see the Veterans\' Committee approve a fix to the Post 9/11 GI Bill that ensures certain Air and National Guard members who were not initially covered will get the benefits they deserve.

August is a very important month for me. My extended time with Nebraskans strongly influences my ideas and decision-making in the Senate. My latest piece of legislation is a good example inspired by your concerns. It would repeal a terrible provision in the health care law that imposes an overwhelming tax filing mandate on businesses large and small across the country, costing them time and money, when they should be focused on hiring and growing their businesses. I introduced it because a host of Nebraska business owners wrote to me to express concern about the mandate. I spoke directly with several of them on the phone and learned just how hard this mandate will hit them.

One business owner even went as far as to do a cost estimate analysis for his business, and found out that the mandate will cost him about $23,000 annually. Because he alerted me to the consequences and other Nebraskans spoke up, it became clear to me how imperative it is to get this provision repealed. It is scheduled for a vote first thing when the Senate reconvenes in September. This is just one example of how you can influence your government beyond the ballot booth. Your participation matters.

Be on the lookout for one of my Open Coffees, which I\'ll be hosting this week and next. I would also encourage you to visit my website, www.johanns.senate.gov, where you can view my Trip Tracker and sign up for my e-Updates. I look forward to visiting with you.

Treasurer Shane Osborn�s Weekly Column - Aug. 13, 2010

Summertime in Nebraska is the perfect time for a road trip. Families often set off throughout the state to visit Chimney Rock, chart the Louis and Clark Trail, Fort Robinson, or any of our beautiful state parks. Today marks the inception of another Nebraska travel destination: Nebraska\'s First State Veterans Cemetery at Alliance. Located in Box Butte County, this cemetery will be dedicated today, and will serve veterans and their families from Nebraska and surrounding states. The Veterans cemetery differs from other landmarks, however, as it means a great deal more. The cemetery is the final resting place for our servicemen and women, those who served us and our freedom during their time here on earth. It is more than just a series of graves, it is an expression of sincerest gratitude from all who will visit, and admiration for those who served.

This much-anticipated day will celebrate not only the cemetery itself, but the thousands whom it will honor and abet. Our great nation has seen some horrific battles, and we have fought gallantly in the world\'s most devastating wars. Average citizens have answered a call to serve a cause greater than themselves. Nebraska is currently home to some 150,000 Military veterans. These men and women have shown exceptional courage, loyalty, and selflessness throughout their lifetimes by giving of themselves to their country and to their fellow countrymen. It is because of these individuals that we enjoy peace and freedom, and our coveted American lifestyles. They deserve nothing less than a serene and reserved place to be laid to rest; a place where people may come to honor them and to express gratitude for years to come.

This day is the result of much hard work and dedication from Nebraskans all across the state who gave support, most especially those in Alliance who have worked for years towards the goal of creating this cemetery. It is a proud moment for all of us, as we offer respect and admiration to these unselfish men and women who have worked to safeguard our liberty. An official final resting place ensures them the reverence they deserve. Since the idea took hold, some 80 acres of airport ground, once a 1940\'s military Training Base, was donated by the City of Alliance. The cemetery itself will sit on 21 acres of land, ultimately serving 8000 Nebraska veterans.

It is critical that we remember those who chose a life of sacrifice so that we could live we choose. All are invited to Box Butte County this weekend to celebrate and share in this proud occasion, and all are encouraged to stop at Alliance and pay their respects to our Veterans in the years to come.