Peru State Students Lending Their Hands, Talent to Community

Written by Nemaha County Herald

PSC student Addy Markowsky introduces herself to (pictured from left) Taylor Cusick, Kolby Helms, Cameron Stough and Alyssa Mathers, who are all in Tia Miller’s second grade class.

In honor of the Peru State College 33rd Presidential Inauguration for Dr. Daniel Hanson, students are participating in several community service projects throughout Nemaha County. On Monday, March 22, about 35 college students visited Calvert Elementary School to read and listen to the four classes of second graders. The partnership with the school was one of seven projects the college has and will do in this community. Calvert Principal Sharon Pollard said part of the reasoning for the visit was to help build the students’ reading fluency rates and to help them work on their comprehension skills. The second grade teachers at Calvert are Tia Miller, Shannon Cole, Cindy Cole and Diane Shaw. Calvert has about 64 second graders.Pollard also told the college students that their visit was very important to the children and for 45-minutes the visitors would become heroes. She added that for some of the children that one-on-one time would be the only time during the week they would be read to or listened to, outside of school.

Auburn Native Grant Cole listens to (from left) second graders Alana White, Emma Murphy and Alissa Reeves on Monday. The girls are in Shannon Cole’s class.



The visit to the elementary school is part of the college’s Peru Students Care – An Inaugural Service Initiative, which is being spearheaded by PSC First Lady and Service Project Chairwoman Elaine Hanson and PSC Residence Hall Director Seth Bingham. Through the volunteerism, the students have and will focus on seven projects as a way to give back, Hanson said. Five projects will have been completed prior to the inauguration and the remaining two to be done after. The projects the students are helping with are:


• A letter-writing campaign in support of Bread for the World on March 18-19. Hanson said 128 letters were written to Congress members in support of making changes in U.S. tax policy that would be beneficial to low-income families.


• Also, last week, the students held a Campus Clean-Up, with the students volunteering about 66 hours of labor.


• On Sunday, March 21, several students were to make a trip to Brownville to complete a landscaping project at the Flat Water Folk Art Museum.


• On April 15, the students will host the Peru State College Leadership Conference.


• And, students will help on April 30 and May 1 with a repairing project for the Peru Historical Society.

Justin Powell, a PSC student, listens as Sadie Shriver is timed while reading. Sadie’s classmate John Healy also listened to her read.

Service team members helping with the projects are PSC students Tristan Bassinger, Grant Cole, Kristen Husen, Alicia Miller and Fred Whitted. Cindy Newton and Laura Osborne are helping as community members. Hanson said about 275 students have volunteered for one or more of the projects. She said several coaches have asked their players to participate in this opportunity.“(The students) want to give back and be a part of this,” Hanson said. “And, they show up.”The initiative, Hanson said, has been student driven and the planning of and completion of the projects will have taken just seven weeks from start to finish. The committee, she said, initially began with 16 project ideas that were eventually narrowed down to the selected seven.

Auburn Employees and Officials Recognized for Their Years of Service

Written by Nemaha County Herald

Four Auburn City Employees were recognized on Monday, March 22, during the City Council Meeting for their years of service. Those receiving certificates were (from left) City Treasurer Glen Krueger, 10 years; Librarian Margie Zimmerman, 20 years; Children’s Librarian Heather Koeneke, 10 years, and Police Chief Dan White, 15 years. Standing with the guests of honor is City Council President Annie Thomas (center), who presented the certificates and plaque.

Two Contested Races for Nemaha County Voters During May 11th Primary

Written by Nemaha County Herald

The 2010 Primary Election will be held May 11 at the usual polling places in Nemaha County. County Clerk Joyce Oakley said the polls will be open from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. that Tuesday for the purpose of nominating candidates to various offices. Nemaha County will have two seats up for election as both candidates represent the same political party. Jana V. Smith and Wendy J. Hemmer are Democrat candidates seeking the Nemaha County Assessor position becoming open due to the retirement of Lila Gottula. Also, incumbent Bob Hutton and Jim Jarvis are both Republican candidates for District 1 Commissioner on the Nemaha County Board. The Nemaha County Herald submitted questions for candidates for the two contested offices to be able to better inform our readers about the individuals seeking elected office. Those responses follow: County Assessor Candidate

Jana Smith What is your address and how long have you lived in Nemaha County? “I have lived in Nemaha County for 35 years and reside in Brock. I am married to Sam Smith and have two stepchildren: Samantha Collins and Steve Smith, both of Nebraska City.” In response to a question regarding her qualifications for serving as Nemaha County Assessor, Smith replied, “I started working as the clerk for the Assessor’s Office in January of 1987. The opportunity for me to advance to deputy assessor came in 1990. I passed an examination by the State Department of Revenue, giving me a required certificate on Sept. 11, 1990 to perform the duties of Deputy Assessor or County Assessor. I have served this county as Deputy Assessor for the past 19 years and obtained the required 60 hours of continuing education to be eligible to receive approval by the Property Tax Administrator for re-certification. The 60 continuing education hours, necessary every four years, have been a requirement by law since 2001. My experience and qualifications of the past 24 years and the people I have helped have given me the confidence in filing for the office of assessor.” What do you believe to be areas needing additional attention in the County Assessors’ Office? “The main area requiring attention was looked at prior to today. The printed cadastral maps of Nemaha County were in need of being replaced. The commissioners and the assessor looked into the request for new mapping in 2007. The funds were budgeted in the same year by the county commissioners and a $25,000 grant was received from the Nebraska State Board of Records, the application having been submitted by Lila Gottula. The assessor’s office was able to proceed with implementing a property information website for the public’s use and a GIS (global information system) mapping system that works with the current CAMA system in assisting the office in the valuation process.”“I have advanced professionally because I received training to assist in implementing the mapping system. I keep the information current in the GIS computer; perhaps it may be a simple division of 80 acres from a 160 acre track or a more complex survey of an acreage. The computerization of mapping makes the work less time consuming and more accurate than it used to be when drawing the survey on a paper printed cadastral using a ruler, compass and pencil.”“The mapping system and website have improved the office efficiency and give the staff more time to work on current projects with less interruptions.” What are your goals for the County Assessor’s Office in one year and four years?“A sales analysis will be completed for residential, commercial and agriculture classes of properties to make sure their values are within the guidelines of the Department of Revenue, reviewing properties where necessary. The review of rural homes and buildings will begin in 2011, making sure the listings are correct with new pictures and correction of sketches as necessary. We will also list, measure and value all new construction for the county. The rural homes and buildings will take more than one year to complete.”Are there any ways in which you believe the County Assessor could better spend its budget? “The staff has been diligent in its use of the budget allowed by the county commissioners. In dealing with expenses, I feel the assessor’s office is at the lowest budget possible in order to do the required work. We do not know how the effect of state laws may change the requirements of the office.” County Assessor Candidate

Wendy Hemmer What is your address and how long have you lived in Nemaha County? “A resident of Auburn, I have lived in Nemaha County for the past 13 years as well as spending some of my elementary and middle school years in Auburn. I have always felt safe and included in Auburn, thus it seemed like the right decision to raise my son in a community that cared about the children and their future. Even though my son Blake graduated from Auburn High School in May and has moved on to attend Southeast Community College in Lincoln, I see Nemaha County as my home. I would like to give back to that community.”What are your qualifications for serving as county assessor? “For eight years, I have worked in some aspect of real estate or real property. I started working in a real estate office in Auburn and found that I really enjoyed the position and working with the public. However, it was not until I had the opportunity to work in an assessor’s office in a different county that I realized I had found my niche within the trade. I enjoyed this position so much I decided to pursue the required certification from the state in order to run for Nemaha County Assessor in the next election.” “The following summarizes my work experience; all four positions are directly related to understanding real estate and property valuations:Three-plus years with American Dream Real Estate (sales agent and property management)Three-plus years: Otoe County Assessor’s Office (appraisal assistant)Two-plus years: Professional Mortgage Services (loan processor)One-plus year: Southeast Nebraska Community Action Council, Inc. (housing coordinator).” What do you believe to be areas needing additional attention in the county assessor’s office? “Property valuations need to be set in an impartial and equitable manner.”“County employees must remember that they are elected to serve the public. Thus, they need to be respectful and courteous toward the public/community and strive to maintain a courteous, helpful and user friendly office.” “The assessor needs to be more visible and interact positively with the public. I would implement and maintain an open door policy for the people of the county in order to address all questions or concerns in an open manner.”What are your goals for the county assessor’s office in one year and four years? “From the beginning of the term, I will begin to implement policies addressing the fore-mentioned concerns. Being courteous and respectful towards the public, as well as being more visible and available will be first priority. In the long term, I will strive to implement practices that ensure property valuations are impartial and equitable.” “Every market area needs to be re-evaluated on a regular rotation in order to maintain property assessments and accurate information. The previous statement especially holds true to the farming community. The accuracy in the farming community is crucial to this county. Of course, property valuation is only one aspect of an assessor’s office, so that is why it is extremely important to maintain a positive environment while executing all other designated tasks.” Are there any ways in which you believe the county assessor could better spend its budget? “As with any business there is overhead or expenditures that need to be taken into account and a county assessor’s office is no different. Upon reviewing the current assessor’s budget, I found it to be in check. Establishing a budget, to be spent prudently and effectively, is an essential aspect of the assessor’s job description. As an elected official, we must never forget who earns the funds for our budget.”“I am familiar with generating and establishing budgets. Not only have I completed various accounting courses, while working on my business degree, but one of my previous positions required that I prepare the yearly budgets for the rental housing program. Furthermore, I volunteered with a local organization where I prepared and maintained the finances. In addition to my own personal budget, I taught potential homebuyers how to budget for a household and handle financial situations.” Dist. 1 County Commissioner Candidate

Bob Hutton What is your address and how long have you lived in Nemaha County?“I live in the Nemaha area and have been a resident of Nemaha County my entire life. My wife Deloris and I have three children: a daughter Laura Gossman of rural Stella, a son Alan Hutton of rural Auburn and a daughter Robin Sudman of Nemaha.” What are your qualifications for serving as District 1 Nemaha County Commissioner? “I have been a board member of the Nemaha County Commissioners for three terms. During these 12 years, I have served on the Blue Rivers Agency on Aging — which has given substantial funding to the Auburn Senior Center to defray expenses. I have also served on the Agricultural and Horticultural Tax Equalization Board, SENCA and Southeast Nebraska Development District.” “In my working cooperatively with other agencies, many accomplishments have been achieved to benefit our community. The Household Hazardous Waste Program, the Tire Recycling Program and the installation of lighting at the intersection of Highways 136 and 67 are some examples of those accomplishments.” “I have worked very hard to keep an open mind about my patrons’ concerns and ideas while discussing ways to solve problems for the betterment of Nemaha County. Communication is essential for progress to be made.” What issues are you hoping to address while serving on the County Board? “Due to the severity of the winter weather, Nemaha County’s roads are in need of maintenance. There are also bridges in need of repair. We are also working to obtain grant money to replace the windows at the courthouse as an energy efficiency step. Working with insurance brokers to find affordable health care coverage for all eligible employees is another issue to address.” What are your goals for the county board in one year and four years?“Continuing to work with our highway superintendent to recognize problem structures during bridge and road inspections is one goal. Keeping cost down, applying for federal aid money in order to help pay for bridge replacements and working with FEMA to assess disaster issues are all important goals to work towards. Another goal is to continue sharing some road equipment with the other two districts.”Is there an area(s) in which you believe the county board should direct more finances? “Budgets for the different areas are set on a yearly basis. Each area works within its allotted funds. The state sets some limitations which must be followed. We need to control the General Fund to manage the fluctuating costs of fuel, steel and repairs.” Is there an area(s) where you believe the county board should direct less finances? “I feel that the budget has been controlled closely. We have worked hard in keeping the mill levy low while still maintaining quality services to the patrons of District 1.” Dist. 1 County Commissioner Candidate

Jim Jarvis What is your address and how long have you lived in Nemaha County? “My wife Pat and I live about three miles east of Auburn and have been there since 2000. We have two daughters: Susan (Mrs. Dave) Thomas of rural Auburn and Kate Jarvis of Salina, Kansas, and a son Jim Jarvis of Kansas City, Mo.” “I was born in Auburn and grew up in Nemaha. I graduated from high school in Nemaha and attended Peru State College for one year. I then went to work for a national retailing company and spent over 35 years in that field. That career took us to several locations in the Midwest. Shortly after I chose to retire, we decided to move back home to Nemaha County.” “I served five years on the Good Samaritan Center Advisory Board and have been involved with the Nemaha County Neighbor to Neighbor program for over a year in soliciting volunteers to help the area’s elderly with their needs.” What are your qualifications for serving as District 1 Nemaha County Commissioner? “I have 35 plus years of business experience that ranges from small business beginnings to management positions in the corporate headquarters. I’ve worked extensively with sizable budget issues, have dealt with a wide range of personnel management matters and have much experience in managing and protecting assets. I feel I can make good decisions and will protect the interests of Nemaha County taxpayers.”What issues are you hoping to address while on the county board? “I want to explore new or additional opportunities for the board to increase its role in promoting economic development in the county; to find ways to team with city and village governments and existing development agencies in the effort to grow our community, create new jobs and protect existing jobs.” “One issue I would plan to be actively involved in is the county budgeting process. County government does need to provide all of the needed services, but I feel strongly that this needs to be done without raising the county tax levy.”“Protecting and maintaining county infrastructure: roads and bridges is another issue. I plan to work closely with the County Roads Superintendent on the one and six year plans as they come up and to follow projects through to completion.”“The costs of dealing with the after effects of substance abuse are a really significant burden on the county’s budget. It causes extra financial demands on the sheriff’s office, county attorney’s office, county courts, public defender costs, housing and mandated treatment costs, on and on. The county has already begun to invest in a program which attacks this problem on the front end; through education, awareness and prevention. I believe that if we can achieve a reduction in these problems by investing in prevention, it will be less expensive than dealing with the after effects. I would be involved in this issue.” What are your goals for the county board in one year and four years? “My fiscal goal is to keep the county tax levy at or below its current rate. I will be diligent in looking for ways to save taxpayer dollars without reducing vital services.”“We want to do the best job possible in maintaining and protecting county roads and bridges. Nemaha County is primarily a farming community. Roads are important to everyone, but they are absolutely vital to our farmers. We need to plan ahead of pending problems and supply needs. (For example, we could consider stockpiling certain materials for a short time when there is evidence of pending short supply and possible higher cost during the season).” “My personal goals are to always be responsive to the needs of the people I would be serving, and to always exercise responsibility and integrity in the use of taxpayer dollars.” Is there an area(s) in which you believe the county board should direct more finances? “As mentioned earlier, I would plan to explore the area of economic development improvement in the county. More resources might be productive in this area.”Is there an area(s) where you believe the county board should direct less finances? “I’ll be looking at every piece of the county’s budget through the campaign. I’ll always be on the lookout for any signs of waste or excess to be eliminated. The costs of dealing with the effects of substance abuse represent a significant financial burden for the county.”

Auburn Native Hopes to Inspire Others Through Movie, Book on Local Family

Written by Nemaha County Herald

Auburn Native Lori Gottula stands with Sissy Georges at the horse rider’s family farm near Barada. Gottula is working on an inspiration movie and book about Sissy and her family. Gottula calls Sissy the most inspirational person she has ever met.

Awe-Inspiring. That’s the word Auburn native Lori Kimball Gottula uses when describing Christina “Sissy” Georges and her mother Angel Ralph. Gottula, now a Falls City resident, is currently working on promoting a screenplay she has completed about the Barada family. She is in the progress of working on a book about the family.The story centers around the life of 27-year-old Sissy, a long-haired, soft-spoken blind woman. However, Gottula said, the story also focuses on the entire Georges family, including Angel, and the adversity they have overcome.Sissy has never used her blindness as a crutch. She is an accomplished barrel racer, who has won national titles. Her mother Angel said Sissy has been able to achieve success in life because she was raised as a person who can see. Sissy isn’t the only one in the family who has overcome adversity. Angel has lost two sons to suicide. Despite all of the heartache, the two women can laugh at the smallest things. Gottula describes their spirits as ones full of dignity and grace.“They’ve had a rough go of it, but yet they still have deep belly laugh,” Gottula said.Gottula has been working on the story for more than a year. After hearing about the story, she said she sought the family out, first with a phone interview and then she began meeting with the family on a regular basis at their family farm. After many visits, she came to realize their story had to be told. Since then, she has worked countless hours perfecting her screenplay, which has been approved by Sissy and Angel. Gottula said she intends to sell the screenplay to a major studio within two years. She said she is aiming for a major studio and director because she believes this story merits just that.“The story is worth a big budget, and worth two major actresses in the main parts,” she said. She said she decided to write the screenplay before finishing the book because she knew it would take some time to make the film a reality.As for the book, she has completed well over 200 pages and she expects to have it finished by the end of the year.Gottula has engrossed nearly all of her energy into a film and book because she full heartedly believes it needs to be shared with others. “The difficulty and tragedy of their lives is unparalleled by any family I have ever known,” Gottula said. “How many women Angel’s age (55) have lost two children, yet who not only manage to get out of bed, but who laugh with a full-on belly laugh?”She continued, “Regarding Sissy, I have never known a person with a disability like hers who literally blows it out of the water.”And, if Gottula is unable to get a major film production company to make the movie, she said she will make the film herself because someone has to tell this story.Gottula has formed her own production company, which she named Quilting Club Productions LLC for the purpose of making the film if it comes to that. She said if she has to make the film, she will seek partnering with other production companies and investors.So far, Gottula has sent numerous letters to recognizable directors. She has pitched the script to Howard Roseman, who directed the movie “Father of the Bride.” This is not the first feature film Gottula has worked on. She has written four other scripts, two of which she has taken to national film festivals for competition. In order to promote Sissy and Angel’s story, Gottula has posted a short trailer on YouTube, as well as created a Facebook page. To learn more about the inspiring story, visit YouTube.com and search sissy.avi and visit Facebook.com and search SISSY Christina Georges screenplay.

Auburn’s People First Organization Will Host a Coffee for Tony Fulton

Written by Nemaha County Herald

People First Auburn Chapter members (from left) Beth Schmidt, Dana Shaw and Holli Burgert, as well as the other organization’s members, will be hosting a meet and greet coffee for State Senator Tony Fulton, an Auburn native, from 2 to 4 p.m. Monday, March 22, at the Senior Center. Fulton, a Republican, is running for State Treasurer.
Knowing how to dress, having self confidence, being able to interact with others and standing up for yourself may come naturally to most people, but for others it’s a learning process.
In People First-Auburn Chapter, SENDS clients learn how to be themselves, dress for work and other social skills. But, the most important thing they learn is how to speak up.To be in the organization, said Beth Schmidt, all a member has to do is “Speak up for yourself and be able to tell people what you want and don’t want.”Member Dana Shaw added, “You have to be responsible and help others speak up.”The Auburn chapter began in February of 1999. The organization has grown from a few members to its current 28. Members attend meetings across the state and country. Shaw has been to the national People First conventions in California, New York and Georgia. Through People First, the members also learn people skills. Member Beth Schmidt said she has learned how to stand up for herself through the organization. She said it has made her more responsible. Shaw said the group has taught her how to have a good attitude and how to respect others. Shaw is a founding member of the Auburn group. Shaw has had a lot of success through the organization. She has received the Self Advocate of the Year award. She is a nationally known speaker and has served on several panels to advocate the awareness of people with developmental disabilities. She gives presentations to school students to help them understand what it is like to live with a disability. And, she has represented the state at the National Convention.For member Holli Burgert, the organization has helped her in many ways, including being a productive citizen. Burgert is one of eight members who owns her own home.“I get a lot out of it,” she said. “We share information and give useful ideas to each other.”Shaw, who is employed with District #29 Schools, also said she has benefited a lot by being a member.“I would be able to go out of town to meet people,” she said. Burgert, Schmidt, who works at Pizza Hut, and Shaw all agreed the Auburn community is very accepting of people with disabilities. “(The people) treat us well,” Shaw said. “They show respect and are very supportive with jobs.”Burgert, who works at Sonic, added she would rather live in Auburn than in a large city because she feels more accepted. “The smaller the city, the more people you know and you can get along better,” she said.Auburn’s chapter meets on the first Monday of each month. Each meeting is different and often times public speakers will give presentations. The members are also active in the community, including raising and giving money to Nemaha County Gives Back, as well as serving as respectable employees among several local businesses. And, they are deeply involved in the political process. Eleven of the members are registered voters and several politicians have spoken to the group, including former State Senator Floyd Vrtiska, Auburn Mayor Bob Engles, former U.S. Senator Chuck Hagel and former Nebraska Governor Mike Johanns, who is currently a U.S. Senator. And, in honor of March being National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month and as part of learning about politics, the group will be hosting a meet and greet coffee from 2 to 4 p.m. Monday, March 22, at the Senior Center for State Senator Tony Fulton, who is running for State Treasurer. Fulton is a native of Auburn. Shaw grew up next to Fulton in Auburn. She said they are hosting the coffee for him, not only because he is a native, but because, “He’s a very hard worker and an honest man.”

City Employees/Council Members To Be Honored March 22nd

The City of Auburn will be honoring its employees and council members at their March 22nd meeting. Each year the city honors employees and council members for reaching a 5 year benchmark of service to the city. This years honorees include Margie Zimmerman - 20 years; Dan White - 15 years; Heather Koeneke - 10 years; and Glen Krueger - 10 years. Zimmerman and Koeneke have both served patrons at the Auburn Memorial Library while White has served with the Police Department and Krueger with the city council. If you would like to attend the city council meeting and help in honoring these dedicated employees, please be at Auburn City Hall at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, March 22, 2010.

Peru State President Hanson Presented Patriot Award

Written by Nemaha County Herald


Participating in the recognition activity were (from left): Walter Zink III, chair of the Nebraska Committee for the Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), and SSG Jeffrey Meyers, who presented a Patriot Award to Dr. Dan Hanson, president of Peru State College. Meyers nominated Dr. Hanson for the honor.

Dr. Dan Hanson, president of Peru State College, was the recipient of a Patriot Award presented March 4 by Walter Zink III, chair of the Nebraska Committee for the Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), an agency of the Department of Defense. The honor was in recognition of his extraordinary support of an employee who serves in the Nebraska Army National Guard. Staff Sergeant Jeffrey Meyers of Peru, a member of the Army National Guard 192nd Military Police Detachment unit in Nebraska City, nominated Dr. Hanson and his wife, Elaine, for their support of him and his family. “To others, this may seem insignificant, but it is my opinion that the world would be a better place if we had more Dr. Dan and Elaine Hansons,” said Meyers. “These two remarkable human beings are always asking me how myself and my family are doing or if there is anything they can do for us due to my upcoming deployment. They aren’t just mouthing the words, but truly mean what they say.” Dr. and Mrs. Hanson also showed their support by attending a town hall meeting for the 192nd Military Police Detachment and expressing their support of the Meyers and all Guardsmen.“It is our goal to support our employees,” said Dr. Hanson. “Specifically, we’re glad to support his service to the country,” Hansen said of Meyers.Meyers is among 52 members of the 192nd Military Police Detachment who are to report May 20 for a 12-month mobilization to Iraq. Meyers is a maintenance worker/water operator who has been employed by the college for over eight years. The Patriot Award was created by ESGR to publicly recognize individuals who provide outstanding patriotic support and cooperation to their employees, who like the citizen warriors before them, have answered their nation’s call to serve. Supportive supervisors are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the nation’s National Guard and Reserve units.”As the 1.3 million members of the National Guard and Reserve continue to perform an increasing number of unique missions with America’s borders and beyond, ESGR will continue to be the resource for the employers of citizen warriors. ESGR recognizes outstanding support, increases awareness of the law, and resolves conflict through mediation
ESGR volunteers provide free education, consultation and if necessary mediation for employers of Guard and Reserve personnel. Please contact Executive Director William Nelson at 402-309-7105 or email william.nelson1@us.army.mil for more information on ESGR Employer Outreach Programs and volunteer opportunities.Editor’s note: Background information was submitted by Tammy Pearson, Assistant PR Director with the Nebraska Committee for the Support of the Guard and Reserve.

Distinguished Reading Award

Written by Nemaha County Herald

Auburn Resident Shirley Snyder was recently presented the Distinguished Educator of Reading award by the Nebraska State Reading Association at the group’s annual conference in Kearney. Snyder teaches elementary Title 1 Reading in the Auburn Public School system and has been active on the local, state and international levels of the Association since 1983. Marla Jones, a fifth-grade teacher with the Nebraska City Public Schools, presented the award. Jones also resides in Auburn.

Auburn Optimists Salute Boy Scout Troop #321

Written by Nemaha County Herald

National Boy Scout Week was celebrated during February and the Boy Scouts of America are celebrating their 100th Year this year
......so what better time to honor our local Boy Scout Troop #321 who celebrate 50 years of continuous service to the Auburn area. That was the atmosphere at the local Optimist meeting held this past Saturday morning, at Darling’s Cafe, where scouting and all it does for the community and youth of our area was saluted by Optimist members who know a lot about volunteering. The early morning event began with a buffet styled breakfast.

After the meal, the program commenced with (above photo) Optimist President Dennis Wittmann presenting a $250 check to Troop #321 Scout Master Doug Billesbach.

Auburn’s Boy Scout Troop #321 members who are working on or have achieved their “Eagle Scout Rank” are: Ben Billesbach, Wyatt Gauchat, Levi Haynes, Greg Florence, Eagle Scout Tyler Westerfield, Eagle Scout Jason Teten and Eagle Scout Kevin Volkmer.

The funds will be used to defray costs for the scout’s summer camping program. Scouts who are working on their Eagle Scout status then shared their community service projects with the group. Projects currently underway or finished include: a new gazebo in Legion Park, updating the handicap parking at a local church, refurbishing the Legion Park benches, modifying church pews so that they are handicap accessible at the St. Joseph Catholic Church, construction of a Ten Commandment Monument at the Catholic Church and a landscaping project at the New Life Church. Twenty-one ––individual merit badges and a Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project must be completed for an individual to reach the goal of Eagle Scout. This isn’t an easy accomplishment and has been bestowed upon just over two million young men since it was first awarded 1912. Auburn’s Troop #321 has 14 active scouts in its program.

City Administrator

The idea of hiring a City Administrator has been discussed at council planning sessions for more than a decade but nothing came of it. The idea always failed to leave the council sessions because it was not feasible for the city to support a City Administrator alone

Mayor Engles noted that many of the progressive towns our size and larger utilized City Administrators. An investigative team was formed to determine if this would be a viable option for Auburn. The towns of Aurora, Central City, Beatrice, Fairbury, Nebraska City and Wayne were contacted. A matrix (obtainable at City Hall) was made which includes the answers for all towns that engaged in the questionnaire. All towns were positive about the increase in efficiencies and communications that they received to the benefit of the community as a result of having a City Administrator. The cities contacted believed that the position was especially efficient when the City Administrator was responsible for the local Board of Public Works also.

The City investigative team determined that what Auburn needs is:

Efficiencies- Board of Public Works, street and services department, office personnel and police department knowing what each other is doing for the better use of time, sharing responsibilities/equipment, is a benefit to the local tax payer and receiver of city services. One person, reporting directly to the mayor and president of the BPW board who understand how the inner workings of all departments can best be utilized for the betterment of all.

Communication-One person who can best keep all departments of the city organized and structured. That person would also be responsible for giving the proper and accurate information to the mayor and president of the BPW. One person who is responsible for the accurate and correct information given to civic groups, clubs, and the media to help defray the reliance on hearsay or uninformed gossip that disrupts the harmony of the community.

Accountability - The City Administrator will be held accountable for Board of Public Works and city expenditures and to provide for the most cost efficient manner of providing those services. The City Administrator will be responsible for the administration of tax dollars, grants, inter-local agreements, and other sources of revenue.

Short and Long Range Planning- Development of an organized plan, both short and long range, that involves the Board of Public Works and all city departments for the future growth and development of industry, housing, public amenities; and for the preservation and improvement of those already in existence. An organized plan will enable the city to best use the fiscal resources available.

The investigative team inclusive of members from the City Council and the BPW has agreed that a City Administrator would be advantageous for Auburn if that person is responsible for both the city and BPW. The investigative team also believes that the city and the BPW should share the cost of the administrator. It is the recommendation of the investigative team that the best choice for the position of city administrator for the city of Auburn is Mr. Dave Hunter.