Nemaha County Gives Back Committee Preparing for 3rd Annual Winter Festival

Written by Nemaha County Herald

The Nemaha County Gives Back Winter Festival is set for December 5-6 from 5 – 8pm at the 4-H Building in Auburn!The committee has been working hard on preparing for the third annual event. The festival will feature a free will offering meal, entertainment provided by local groups and a Christmas tree/wreath auction. Chairperson Bobette Guenther stated that the 2008 festival was a huge success! “The second annual event raised $15,472 as local businesses, civic groups, churches, and individuals were very generous in the fundraising efforts. A group from the Nemaha County Gives Back Committee did all the shopping last year for SENCA and Project Response. “With the money raised we were able to provide 100 food baskets, 218 children received toys/gifts and warm articles of clothing, plus100 gift certificates were given to the elderly along with a warm blanket and 70 $25 gift certificates were given to the SENDS clients. “The Christmas trees and wreaths which were decorated by local civic groups raised quite a bit of money. Then, some of the trees that were successfully bid for during the auction were donated back to needy families.“Last year, recognizing the men and women in the military with Nemaha County ties was a huge honor. A bulletin board was on display with their pictures and information provided by their families. A DVD was shown also featuring the brave men and women from our county! Each individual was recognized even though they were not present during the event but many of each person’s family were present. “Again this year, we will be putting together a bulletin board/DVD so anyone who has a loved one serving in the military and would like to take part in this, please contact me [Bobette Guenther] by Nov. 15. This is a way of showing our appreciation and support to these dedicated individuals serving our country. “Please know that by making a donation to the event you are able to help a child, needy family, elderly or disabled to have a brighter holiday. People take so much for granted but think of a child who has never received a toy for Christmas, an elderly person who would not have had a holiday dinner, or even a family who has never had a Christmas tree – to them, this is a huge blessing! The stories that we heard after the event about how a food basket, a toy, an article of clothing, even Christmas trees, and military families affected people’s lives made the event very much worthwhile! All sponsors will be recognized!” she concluded.Bobette Guenther and Bob Lowrey are the co-chairpersons for the event.The public is encouraged to attend this winter festival. Anyone who has any questions, would like to help sponsor, wants further information, or would like to help serve on a committee, please contact Bobette Guenther at 402-274-8919 or 402-274-3285. Thank you for all your support!

Veterans Day Observed in Auburn Nov. 11

Written by Nemaha County Herald Thursday, 19 November 2009 19:43

Auburn residents and local students showed their respect to military veterans Wednesday, Nov. 11, during the annual Veterans Day program at the high school.
Auburn High Principal Kevin Reiman, a former member of the Nebraska National Guard, opened the ceremony by telling the audience this day is to celebrate, honor and to, “commemorate the dead and the living, the young men and women who in every war since this country began have given testimony to their loyalty to their country and their own great courage.”Members of the Auburn VFW and American Legion, along with the Auxiliary, presented the Advancement of Colors during the ceremony. The Auburn High School choir provided music by singing the National Anthem. The school’s concert band also provided music by playing the “Armed Forces’ Salute” to recognize each division of the U.S. Military.Auburn American Legion Commander Dick Stich recognized all the veterans for attending the ceremony and for their service to this country. Stich, a U.S. Army veteran, also introduced the ceremony’s keynote speaker, Retired U.S. Army Col. Brian Bequette.Bequette retired from the Army on Nov. 1. He had served in the military for 26 years, he said. He is married to Auburn native Kelly (Tynon) Bequette. Bequette talked about how grateful he was to serve his country and the benefits it provided to him, including traveling the world and receiving a free education. “I am honored and in awe of the things I was allowed to do in this country,” he told the audience.He also reminded the crowd that Veterans Day is also an occasion to think of not just the veterans but also their parents, spouses and children because they too are sacrificing for their country. As is tradition during Auburn’s Veterans Day program, high school students participated the Voice of Democracy essay contest. This year’s winners of the contest, which had a theme of whether or not there are still heroes in this country, were Greg Moran, first place; Mallory Fiebig, second and Matt Knapp, third. The contest winners presented their essays during the program. The essay presentations were followed by a twenty-one gun salute and a moment of silence. Auburn High students Nathan Allgood and Kelsey Dixon provided the Taps and Echo for the ceremony, followed by the retirement of the colors. To conclude this year’s Veterans Day ceremony, Principal Reiman made the final remarks: “We celebrated this Veterans Day for a very few minutes, a few seconds of silence and now this country’s life goes on. But I think it most appropriate that we continue to recall today, and on every other moment when we are faced with great responsibilities, the contribution and the sacrifice which so many Americans have made in order to permit this country to now occupy its present position of responsibility and freedom. May God Bless our veterans and the United States of America.”

Veterans Kevin Reiman, Auburn High School principal; Dick Stich, commander of the Auburn American Legion and U.S. Army Retired Col. Brian Bequette stand as the National Anthem is sung by the Auburn High School choir. Bequette provided the Veterans Day remarks during the ceremony.

Annie Thomas To Be Honored November 19th

The Auburn Chamber of Commerce And The City of Auburn
Invite all citizens of Nemaha County and Southeast Nebraska
In honoring Ms. Annie Thomas
For her many years of dedicated service to the City of Auburn
On Thursday, November 19th, 2009
At 9:00 am
In the City Council Chambers
City Hall, Auburn, Nebraska

Annie Thomas has recently been named President of the Nebraska League of Municipalities. This is a very distinguished honor to add to her many accomplishments. Please take this opportunity to thank Annie for her dedication to Auburn.

Lecture Series Gets Named in Honor of PSC Economics Professor Bill Snyder

Written by Nemaha County Herald Thursday, 12 November 2009 20:35

It’s been more than 10 years since Peru State Faculty members had a place they could congregate and share ideas about teaching and life. But, with the effort of long-time faculty member Bill Snyder, the professors now have a place of their own.Snyder of Auburn is a full-time professor at the college where he teaches economics and advanced marketing classes. He said it is important that the faculty had a private place to gather.
“Faculty really need to meet, have a place to drink a cup of coffee and share ideas,” Snyder said.The faculty center is in the upper level of the college’s new library. The room is where the former athletic coaches offices used to be.Snyder added that Todd Drew, vice president of academic affairs, as well as other committee members were also instrumental in getting a faculty center established on campus.And, for his efforts to make a faculty center a reality, a faculty lecture series has been named in honor. Once a month faculty members are gathering in the center to learn about each other and learn about other subjects than the ones they teach. The series is named, “The Bill Snyder Faculty Discussion Series, Growing Ideas.”Bill Clemente, an English professor at PSC, wrote about the honor given to Snyder on his blog recently. “The tribute honors a great friend of mine, so I am deliciously pleased to recognize him here. Congratulations, Bill.”The first lecture was held earlier this fall with a presentation given by Dan Holtz and Sara Crook on their Tales and Trails summer sessions. Snyder, a Pawnee City native, gave a presentation last month about the current economic crises and what the future might hold. He said he is optimistic about the future of the United States’ economy. He said his fellow professors, ranging from historians to sociologists to psychologists all brought insight to the topic, which Snyder said made for an interesting conversation.A lecture coming up in February is something Snyder is really looking forward to, he said. Biology professor Mike Barger will share with the other faculty members his passion for cooking.The whole purpose of the series, Snyder said, is to get to know each other, especially those outside of each other’s specific education field.“We have a tendency to cluster in your own group,” Snyder said. “We didn’t have a larger area to make that kind of interchange and this allows for larger campus to come together in that setting.”Snyder has been instructing undergraduate students at the college for more than 30 years. He obtains three degrees from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln – a B.A., M.D. and an Educational Doctorate.His career at PSC began in 1970 but he left in 1973 to return teaching high school students. He returned to PSC in 1979. Snyder’s official teaching career began in Johnson, where he taught social science. It was during that time that the Brock school merged with Johnson to become Johnson-Brock Schools. He would eventually serve as principal of that school for a period of time. Following his years at J-B, Snyder returned to PSC to serve as president of the college’s foundation, but would then return to Johnson to teach again. He finally returned to PSC in 1979 as a professor. While at Peru, Snyder has served as Vice President of Academic Affairs and as Interim President. In 1993 he returned to a career of full-time teaching.Teaching is a passion of Snyder’s and he still enjoys being in the classroom, especially these past few years.“I have second generation kids and that’s really fun. I can tease them about how I know your dad,” Snyder said.Retirement from teaching is something Snyder is thinking about but doesn’t know exactly when that day will come. “I don’t want to stay too long. I don’t want to be that old guy,” Snyder said. “Hopefully I can be smart and quit while I still have a good game.”When he is not teaching, Snyder works as an Auburn City Councilman. He is currently serving in his third term on the council, which will expire next year. He said he doesn’t think he will seek re-election.“Three terms is enough. We need new blood,” Snyder said. He jokingly added, if nominated to run for mayor of this city, he will not do that either.

Scott Kudrna of Carson National Bank Graduates from Leadership Nebraska

Written by Nemaha County Herald Thursday, 12 November 2009 20:37

Scott Kudrna, Vice President, of Carson National Bank, was awarded Valedictorian and commemorative plaque at the State Chamber’s Leadership Nebraska Commencement ceremony held Friday, October 23, in Lincoln.

The State Chamber’s Leadership Nebraska Program Executive Director Don Mihovk presented Scott Kudrna his certificate and a commemorative plaque for graduating as the class Valedictorian.

Graduates of the State Chamber’s Leadership Nebraska are current and emerging leaders throughout Nebraska. The program enhances their leadership skills, and deepens their knowledge of the challenges and opportunities facing our state. Leadership Nebraska is dedicated to the development of informed leaders that understand issues, define problems, develop solutions, and achieve positions of higher responsibility in Nebraska. Participants of Leadership Nebraska are individuals living and/or working in the state of Nebraska with proven leadership experience and an interest in continuing to advance the welfare of the people of Nebraska. Graduates participated in six sessions that featured top-notch speakers, an agricultural tour of Nebraska, first-hand experiences in state public policy, economic development, education, and healthcare and human services.The Class III members come from across Nebraska and range from volunteers, business leaders, philanthropic workers, educators, and agribusinessmen. This year’s class, listed by name, business, and hometown, includes: Regan Anson, Peru State College, Peru; Sarah Arnold, Grand Island Area Chamber of Commerce, Grand Island; Mary Barry-Magsamen, St. Monica’s, Lincoln; Robert Caldwell, Hampton Enterprises, Inc., Lincoln; Robert Huddleston, Wells Fargo Bank, Kearney; Gwen Hurst-Anderson, Nebraska CASA Assn., Lincoln; Rod Koch, Great West Casualty Co., South Sioux City; Lance Koenig, Bailey Lauerman, Omaha; Scott Kudrna, Carson National Bank, Auburn; Brenda Mainwaring, Union Pacific Railroad, Omaha; Ashley Miller, Cheyenne County Chamber of Commerce, Sidney; Andy Mixan, Home State Bank, Louisville; Tim Moravec, Awards Unlimited, Lincoln; Michael Nohavec, Nohavec Farms, Crete; Don Nordell, Black Hills Energy, Lincoln; Dan Peters, Ash Grove Cement Co., Louisville; Michael Piernicky, Olsson Associates, Omaha; Sharyle Sands, Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce, Columbus; Jill Slupe, Birddog Solutions, Omaha; Kimberly Sucha, MarketSphere Consulting, LLC, Omaha; Craig Vincent, NPPD, York; Katie Zulkoski, Ruth Mueller Robak LLC, Lincoln.Applications Forms for the next class may be still be submitted. For more information on any aspect of the State Chamber’s Leadership Nebraska program, please contact Executive Director Don Mihovk at the State Chamber office (402) 474-4422, or log on to http://www.leadershipnebraska.com/

Auburn Middle School News Team Tops 579 Other Teams for National Honors

Written by Nemaha County Herald Thursday, 12 November 2009 20:39

An Auburn Middle School (AMS) team of sixth, seventh, and eighth graders recently learned they had earned first place honors in News Bowl USA, a national competition that assesses students’ knowledge of national and global current events.
Team members are 6th graders Brenna Schulte, Jonathan Hannaford, Micah Rathjen, Cameron Victor, Eli Kennedy; 7th graders Gabe Isaacs, Yaid Puente; and 8th grader Julie Slama. The team, known as Thomas Bulldogs, bested 579 other teams representing schools located across the United States. According to Coach Diane Thomas, a 6th teacher, the AMS team won the October competition by one point. The second place team represented Gesu Catholic School in University Heights, Ohio. Coach Thomas works with the team before school once a week to help prepare for the monthly online assessment. The online competitive league is open to all sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students at the present time. Coach Thomas hopes more students will join as the year progresses. AMS educators use the competition’s news materials to support one component of the school’s Student Family program. Once a week, all Student Family students work together to read, study and understand current events. The program promotes global awareness and student interest in the news, as well as providing an activity in which students and teachers develop a sense of trust that enhances the Student Family’s ability to work as a unit to successfully meet a goal. Coach Thomas noted, “The support of all Middle School Student Family advisors is greatly appreciated and has been invaluable in preparing these students for the tests.”News Bowl USA, an online competition, is a partnership of educators, parents, and business leaders who are committed to preparing students to be responsible, knowledgeable citizen. News Bowl USA founders believe the future of American society is dependent on citizens who possess an understanding of the relationship of current events to decision making in our communities, states, and nation.

State Theater, Ken Hutton to be the 2009 Recipients of Community Builder Awards

Written by Nemaha County Herald Friday, 06 November 2009 16:41

The Community Builders Club of Auburn, formerly the Auburn Kiwanis Club, has announced the recipients of the 2009 Community Builders Awards.Community Builders Awards are presented annually to individuals, families, organizations or entities that have gone above and beyond in their commitment to the development of Auburn and Nemaha County. Recipients of this award will have demonstrated this commitment over a long period of time and will have given a large measure of themselves in terms of time, effort and resources for the benefit of Auburn and Nemaha County. This year’s award winners are the State Theater and Kenneth Hutton.State TheaterSince purchasing the theater in 1986 the Ensz and Bucy families, all friends and owners, have taken part in running the business. Many upgrade projects have been completed, such as two new screens, two new sound systems and a refurbished projector. They have remodeled one bathroom and the concession area. Buying the entire building in 1990 they replaced a leaky roof, modernized an air-conditioning system and installed a new heating system. The theater’s owners have learned valuable lessons along the way. One of them is picking movies that suit their audience. Disney films score big and lesser-known, more artsy flicks don’t. Most gratifying for the business owners, is doing something for their town and employing local students from the high school and Peru State College. Whatever the reasons, KATS Enterprises continues to be committed to bringing first run movies to southeast Nebraska seven nights a week at affordable prices. The team of Kathy and Dr. Gary Ensz and Kathy and Dr. Bill Bucy added another couple, Dr. Jeff Meade and Dr. Shannon Stemm, to the corporation and the owners continue to improve that corner of downtown.Kenneth R. HuttonKenneth, a Nemaha County native, graduated from Nemaha High School, attended one year at Peru State, appointed Clerk of the County Court, then returned to Peru and received a Bachelor of Science with a math and business major. Ken received his Masters of Science from UNL and was granted a Shell Merit Scholarship from Stanford and completed doctoral work except for his thesis. Ken taught school in Auburn from 1951-1991. Not ready to retire he accepted a job at Peru State from 1991-2007 where he taught and supervised the student teachers.Ken is proud of receiving an Honorable Achievement in Excellence from the UNL Teachers college, being named Teacher of the Year by AEA and was a nominee at the state level for the presidential Award for Excellence in math and science teaching.In 1977, Ken married Joyce and helped her raise two step-children. Son Randy teaches math a Sabetha, Kan., and daughter Susan is a guidance councilor in the Millard system. Ken and Joyce have five grand-children.Nothing makes Ken happier than to have the doorbell ring and receiving a visit from a former student or helping a young person on the phone that is working through a math problem. After living here so many years it is heart-warming for him to see his many students developing into community-minded contributing citizens.The State Theater and Kenneth Hutton will be recognized at the Community Builders Club dinner meeting on at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 12, 2009, at Arbor Manor.

Council Sees Proposed Drawing for Veterans Memorial to be Located in Auburn’s Legion Memorial Park

An artist’s rendering (above) shows the proposed Nemaha County Veterans Memorial Park could look like. Nemaha County resident Monty Lovelace, chairman of the Nemaha County Veterans Memorial Committee, gave a presentation on the project to the Auburn City Council on Oct. 26. The image below gives more detail of the proposed project Legion Memorial Park.
During the Oct. 26 meeting, Auburn City Council was presented a drawing of the proposed Nemaha County Veterans Memorial which has been under consideration for some time by veterans groups and others. Nemaha County resident Monty Lovelace, who chairs the committee, described the progress to date and distributed drawings to better illustrate the concept, which has met acceptance by most people involved.
Lovelace said the veterans memorial’s location is proposed for Legion Memorial Park in the vicinity of the west entrance. He described the process in finalizing an actual proposal to present to the council as having been rewarding. He said the proposed Nemaha County Veterans Memorial would be both pleasing in appearance and also financially feasible.The drawings illustrated that a new section of sidewalk would be poured entering on the west side of the park between the existing pillars and replacing the current sidewalk. The present Nemaha County Veterans Memorial would be moved to another location within the park and replaced by another identifying the new Nemaha County Veterans Memorial which would be located a short distance to the south. The new memorial would be a roughly 45 foot diameter circle and inside of it would be curved granite benches and five different granite pieces, each telling a story about veterans who served this country, including those who made the ultimate sacrifice, and it will also feature stories unique to veterans in this area. Lovelace said representatives with the Auburn and Johnson American Legion Posts seem receptive to the project and have provided input towards the proposal. He said the area in the park selected works particularly well due to its excellent visibility from the highway, adding to the fact that no trees would require removal and the ground is mostly flat.Mayor Bob Engles said, “I love the idea of lots of visibility from the street.” Councilman Dennis Wittmann, who served on the Veterans Memorial Committee, described the latest proposal as “a very workable plan, which should be financially feasible to build.” Lovelace said fund raising will be the next stage in making the project a reality and those involved expect the availability of private contributions to make it happen. “It shouldn’t be an amount that we can’t raise,’ he commented. Lovelace added, “We’re excited about this proposal and will be willing to speak to community groups about it. Some dinners are being planned with veterans for sometime after the first of the year. Lovelace was accompanied at the meeting by his young son, Timothy.

Written by Nemaha County Herald Friday, 06 November 2009 16:29

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Sheridan Cemetery Assn. Seeks Financial Help from Public to Replace Damaged Trees

This large tree was uprooted during the strong wind storms which struck Nemaha County about three months ago.




Written by Nemaha County Herald Thursday, 29 October 2009 14:44

The Sheridan Cemetery Association of Auburn is seeking help from the public to help pay for expenses resulting from trees damaged by two wind storms about three months ago. The Association has written to former residents of Nemaha County about the need for money and is now beginning its local aspect of the fund drive. The letter states, “After suffering two devastating wind storms in Auburn within five days of each other, the trees of Sheridan Cemetery sustained considerable damage. Many trees could not be saved and still others lost numerous limbs. The chapel chimney was also damaged, but will be fixed as soon as possible. Thanks to hours of help from our Association members and community volunteers, Sheridan Cemetery is again in good shape and safe to enter. However, we now need to replace a large number of trees, many of them more than 100 years old. “Our sources of income are the sale of lots, and from the donation tables set up over Memorial Day weekend each year. This past May, we collected approximately $3,500. These funds enable us to cover the cost of equipment and daily maintenance of cemeteries. Unfortunately, expenses continue to rise and donations have remained relatively the same for the past several years.“We are seeking individuals, families, civic organizations and businesses interested in making donations toward this project. Donations in memory of loved ones, or in honor of a family member or members, are lasting ways to remember these individuals. All donations will help us keep Sheridan Cemetery and Sheridan West Cemetery the beautiful resting places they have always been and will continue to be.“Unlike our last capital improvement project fund raiser, we do not have a specific monetary goal or an expected completion date. The amount of donations we receive will determine the number of trees we will be able to replace. Please keep in mind that we will not be able to plant a specific kind of tree in a specific location. We will do what we can, where we can, with what we have, when the weather permits. Our local Tree Board will be advising us. We are ‘planting for posterity’!

wo Limbs were snapped off from this tree at Sheridan Cemetery with the brush falling amongs the gravestones. “Donations may be sent to: Sheridan Cemetery Association, Suzzy Thomas, 2001 29th Street, Auburn, NE, 68305.“The public is encouraged to pass this information onto any family members and friends who may share an interest in the Sheridan and Sheridan West cemeteries.”The Association is comprised of Ken Hutton as chairman; Phyllis Heidzig, secretary; Suzzy Thomas, clerk; Steve Mattes, groundskeeper; Marilyn Jeanneret, Dale Bradley, Bev Moody, Joe Darling and Kathy Grant.

Nemaha County Gives Back Committee Preparing for 3rd Annual Winter Festival

Written by Nemaha County Herald Thursday, 29 October 2009 14:57

The Nemaha County Gives Back Winter Festival is set for December 5-6 from 5 – 8pm at the 4-H Building in Auburn!The committee has been working hard on preparing for the third annual event. The festival will feature a free will offering meal, entertainment provided by local groups and a Christmas tree/wreath auction. Chairperson Bobette Guenther stated that the 2008 festival was a huge success! “The second annual event raised $15,472 as local businesses, civic groups, churches, and individuals were very generous in the fundraising efforts. A group from the Nemaha County Gives Back Committee did all the shopping last year for SENCA and Project Response. “With the money raised we were able to provide 100 food baskets, 218 children received toys/gifts and warm articles of clothing, plus100 gift certificates were given to the elderly along with a warm blanket and 70 $25 gift certificates were given to the SENDS clients. “The Christmas trees and wreaths which were decorated by local civic groups raised quite a bit of money. Then, some of the trees that were successfully bid for during the auction were donated back to needy families.“Last year, recognizing the men and women in the military with Nemaha County ties was a huge honor. A bulletin board was on display with their pictures and information provided by their families. A DVD was shown also featuring the brave men and women from our county! Each individual was recognized even though they were not present during the event but many of each person’s family were present. “Again this year, we will be putting together a bulletin board/DVD so anyone who has a loved one serving in the military and would like to take part in this, please contact me [Bobette Guenther] by Nov. 15. This is a way of showing our appreciation and support to these dedicated individuals serving our country. “Please know that by making a donation to the event you are able to help a child, needy family, elderly or disabled to have a brighter holiday. People take so much for granted but think of a child who has never received a toy for Christmas, an elderly person who would not have had a holiday dinner, or even a family who has never had a Christmas tree – to them, this is a huge blessing! The stories that we heard after the event about how a food basket, a toy, an article of clothing, even Christmas trees, and military families affected people’s lives made the event very much worthwhile! All sponsors will be recognized!” she concluded.Bobette Guenther and Bob Lowrey are the co-chairpersons for the event.The public is encouraged to attend this winter festival. Anyone who has any questions, would like to help sponsor, wants further information, or would like to help serve on a committee, please contact Bobette Guenther at 402-274-8919 or 402-274-3285. Thank you for all your support!