CLARION THURSDAY WEEKLY CAMBRIDGE, NE Circulation = 1 124

For administrative and classified staff

Board salaries

CAMBRIDGE - The ' Cambridge School Board met

on Monday night and approved the salaries for classified staff, administrative salaries and approved the negotiated agreement of the certified staff for next year.

Superintendent Streit pre- sented the Treasurer's Report. He reported that they paid $1 95 1 for driver's education and re- ceived $1350 from the students so suggested they may want to re-evaluate that next year. St- reit also discussed the utility bill, which was $5965.49. The school's demand charge was more than the use charge and showed a high demand at the end of May with the use of the air conditioners. The natural gas bill was $470 and last year's natural gas bill was $1 138. The

-- Board approved all general fund claims.

Dcpreciation fund claims of $38,900 to Weathercraft for the repair on the junior high gym roof and $9680 to River Valley for lights in the senior h ~ g h gym were approved.

Streit reported that 91.6% of the year is complete with 77.740h of the year spent and 9'7.3 1% of receipts collected. There is $2,269,904.42 in the general fund, $21,284 in the bond fund, $32,831.69 in the special building knd, $1052.94 in the depreciation fund.

Streit reported that clean up continues on the property north of thc new gym. The house was burned on Sunday morning and they will now-need to take tree stumps out and haul dirt in and pack it. They will then use asphalt millings to make the

-- parking lot surface. - =

The track is ready for a polyurethane layer. Tim Burke is working on the runways, but Streit said there are some issues with the high jump pit. The area has many low spots that pool water and the track company won't guarantee the surface. Streit received pricing to put concrete in the area, but found it to be very-expensive. The Board directed the track company to proceed with their work without the guarantee.

A company will be out in August or September to work on tucking the school building.

Streit reported that the school was denied the $17,000 in stimulus money they applied for.

The State Board of Educa- , tion voted to classify Cambridge - as accredited for the-2009-2010

school year. Streit and Mr. Stohl will be

attending the Team Mates work shop.

New teacher orientation will be held on August 14. Teacher training will begin on Monday and computer roll out will be on August 18. They will also plan a staff picnic.

A garage has been located to park the coach bus in.

The school changed com- panies for their copier lease and may be looking at changing

approves back to Eakes due to problems thcy have been having.

Secondary Principal Dan Keyser reported that he has or- dered honor roll name plates. The FBLAplaced third in nation- als with their community service project. FFA competed in a state horse judging contest in Nor- folk. Keyser is hlrlng basketball officials for this year. They cur- rently have seven new students in junior high or high school for a total of 161 students. They will have one foreign exchange student.

Elementary Principal Don Sackett stated that curriculum guidcs are done that show what each teacher teaches in each subject area. The guide will be available at the public library if anyone wants to look at it. This is going to be continually changed every year with updates to it, so it can be an ongoing guide.

A census report was coni- pleted with very good nuinbers showing for the next 5 years. There are approximately 20-25 students in each kindergarten class for the next 5 years.

Sackett recognized custo- dian Jason Benson for working hard on the school building. Sackett also recognized Doug Nibbe for his work on thc Ne- braska State Student Record System that reports about 30 dif- fcrent items about each sfudent.

Sackett said this will be the first year for the state read- ing test, they will continue with the math and science, but have dropped the state testing for So- cial Studies.

Stfeit presented very prelim- inary numbers for the 2009-10 budget with $2,037,244 in state aid, which is'an increase from last year. They receive $19,284 in Mecca-Tech finds each quar- ter and $3 1,000 in REAP funds which are used for technology purposes. They will have ex- penses for the lap top leases and aq increase of $175,000 in teach- er salaries from last year. Streit said they will need to budget for transportation, a new elementary math series, carpet replacement, and a new fence around the foot- ball field. The Board will have a spec~al budget workshop in Au- gust.

The Board approved first reading of policies for equal access, immunization, open enrollment, academ~c content standards, use of public re- sources by board members and employees and conflicts of em- ployment of family or board members.

The Board approved the first reading for the student fee policy and parent involvement policy. There will be a hearing for these two policies beiore the August meeting.

The Board approved the re- hiring of the classified staff with no changes this year.

The faculty handbook was approved with two changes re- garding two days of personal leave and that video cameras will be used at the discretion of the Superintendent.

- -

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CEDAR CO. NEWS WEDNESDAY WEEKLY HARTINGTON, NE Circulation = 2091

r: Nebraskans do have : a say in the national

3 -

+i health care debate By Virginia Wolking

Center for Rural Affairs Farmers, small business owners and employees of small

businesses across Nebraska agree:'the time is now for health care reform

Luckily for Nebraskans, Senator Ben Nelson, is playing a key role in the health care reform debate. As Senator Nelson searches for solutions to rural America's health care challenges, he needs to hear from rural Nebraskans.

Make a difference by calling or writing to Senator Nelson. Rural people know that our health care system can work

better than it does today. farms.

ranches and small busi- Guest Opinion nesses dominate the rural 1 1 economy. Reform must

provide options, including a public health insurance option, for small businesses and their employees. Rural America also ,

needs health care reform that provides quality, affordable options to everyone, treats rural-providers fairly and creates incentives to keep our doctors, nurses and other providers in our small towns. Health care reform will spur entrepreneurial rural development and stimulate our economy.

When you write to Nelson, be sure to include your own ex- periences with health care and the importance of health care reform to your community.

Help us track our progress toward health care reform by emailing (virginiaw@cfra.org) or calling (402-687-2 103 x10 17) to inform us that you wrote.

Find Inore information at http:/ /www.cfra.org/09/Write- to-Nelson or mail your letter today to Senator Ben Nelson, Attention: Joe Britton 440 North 8th Street Suite 120 Lincoln, NE 68508.

Senator Nelson is positioning himself to be a mediator in the health care reform debate. That means Nebraskans have a powerful voice in this debate.

COURIER THURSDAY WEEKLY ] CALLAWAY, NE

1 Circulabon = 580 3 07/23/2009

+Sob lock : - t - 1

phenomena i By Elisha Greeley Smith Center for Rural Affairs !%meone once told me that ,

work is not fun, that's why it's , called work. This person was ; stuck in an unsatisfactoryjob that they kept onlybecause itprovided health insurance. They aspired to start their own business, but it was too risky.

The lack of affordable, quality health insurance is the primary banier to entrepreneurshipreach- ing its potential for rural people. The cost of health insurance prevents small businesses and entrepreneurs from expanding their businesses and creating jobs; the cost of health insurance makes it less likely for rural small businesses toprovidehealthinsur- ance totheir einployees, affecting the health of their employees and , making it more likely they will seek employment in urban areas. Health insurance costs also af- fect the dreams of potential ma1 entrepreneurs, delaying or killing an idea by makmg it too risky for one to leave employer-provided insurance at a current job, the so- called "job lock" phenomena.

The rural economy &based on entrepreneurship, both ag- ricultural and non-agricultural. Entrepreneurs addjobs and create wealth. Spurring innovation and job creation inrural communities through entrepreneurship is the key to revitalizing rural conlinuni- ties and ensuring Rural America's long-term future.

Properly developed and administered, a public health insurance plan could provide an affordable and quality choice to benefit the entrepreneurs of rural America. It wouldprovide acover- age option that does not currently exist for rural small businesses to provide health care coverage for owners and employees, and for rural families that are pursuing their entrepreneurial dreams.

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MIRROR-SUN THURSDAY WEEKLY LYONS, NE Circulation = 735

/ \c ! ? n'i ( ~ i i b Lock Phenomena:, Someone once told me that

work is not fun, that's why it's called work.

This person was stuck in an unsatisfactory job that they kept only because it provided health insurance.

They aspired to start their own business, but it was too risky.

The lack of a f f o r d a b l e , quality health insurance i s the primary barrier to en- trepreneurship reaching i ts potential for rural people.

The cost of health insur-

or killing an idea by making it too risky for one to leave employer-provided insurance at a current job, the so-called "job lock" phenomena.

The rural economy is based on entrepreneurship, both ag- ricultural andnon-agricultural.

By Elisha Greeley Smith

Entrepreneurs add jobs and create wealth.

Spurring in- novation and job creation in rural communi- ties through en- trepreneurship is the key to re- vitalizing rural communities and ensuring Rural Ameri- ca's long-term

ance prevents - ~ e d i a and outreach ruture. smal l busi- nesses and entrepreneurs from expanding their businesses and creating jobs; the cost of health insurance makes it less likely for rural small businesses to provide health insurance to their employees, affecting the health of their employees andmaking it more likely they will seek employ- ment in urban areas.

Health insurance costs also affect the dreams of potential

, rural entrepreneurs, delaying 5

Properly de- veloped and administered, a public health insurance plan could provide an affordable and quality choice to ben- efit the entrepreneurs of rural America.

It would provide a coverage option that does not currently exist for rural small businesses to provide health care coverage for owners and employees, and for rural families that are pursuing their entrepreneurial dreams. rr '

/'-

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'DAILY PRESS & DAKOTAN ' MORNING DAILY YANKTON, SD

$j Circulation = 82 12

Organic- Garden Days Seminar July 2 1-22 BY SHARON GUTHMILLER -

Exte:is~on Educator

Extension educators in Extension office settings and educational outreach programs can work individually in spe- cialized areas of educational subject matter; share levels of cross -disciyline educational teaching opportunities; net- work with other individuals and organizations; share 4-H responsibilities; and work in individual or team educational settings both in individual counties and with surrounding counties.

My column this week high- lights one of the upcotr~ing cross-discipline programs being sponsored in this com- munity through Cooperative Extension.

The upcoming Yankton Organic Days Seminar and Farm Tour set for Tuesday and +: . ..: .. Wednesday, July 21-22, may be of interest to you. The event is free and open to the public. No pre- registratio11 is needed.

The seminars begin at 1 p.m. Tuesday, July 21! and continue through Wednesday, July 22, until 6 p.m. at the Yankton County 441 building at 709 Whiting Drive. Serninar topics are included for both producers (July 21) and consumers (July 22), although interested individu- als are encouraged to attend ses- sions both days.

The July 23. workshop ses- sions focus on Educational Information for Producers. Bryan Tipton and Ann Jitette of the South Dakota Department of Agriculture will present informa- tion, including the investigatian of pesticide damage complaints and the planned Web-based Pesticide Sensitive Site database and map.

South Dakota State University Cooperative Extension staff members will also present workshop ses- sions. Beef Extension specialist Julie Walker's workshop topics will include the five challenges of organic beef production; management of production sys- tems and marketing. Thandiwe Nleyx, Exteiisiriii crop .special- ist, will report on the status of organic crop production in South Dakota. Peter Sexton, associate professor of sustain- able agriculture, will present an overview of his work on small scal;. processing of Canola.

The fiir~n tour of Cwach Farnis, east of Yankton, will start at 5 p.m. The farm is operated by Gary, Mary, Dan and Kevin, and is located at 30627 439th Ave., Yankton. Gary cwach, producer. will present information regarding present production a r ~ d plans for future expailsion of their farm operation.

A roundtable discussion at 8:30 p.m. Tuesday has been planned for area producers.

LG-" ,P;, 1 ;;i%er - . - Discussion will

include defin- IHARoH ing organic and

GUTHMILLER sustainable - - fanning, and

the perspective of the producers ar~d con- sumers. Producers will be able to share stories on certifica- tion, marketing, and ability to access information.

From 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday, July 22, Yankton Organic Days focus wiil be Consumer Information. Pat Garrity is scheduled to address '-

the importance to local economies of buying locally grown foocls Dale Hebdals -

presentation will provide audi- ence members a glimpse of the ongoing journev of transition- ing their operatiun to olganic production. Cnmniunity Supported Agriculture, will be presented by Rcbecca Terk. Terk will also teach a second

'

session on the economics of sus ta~r~able production meth- ods.

July 22 sessions will take place from 2-4 p m., wrap up with Sharou Guthmiller. Extension Fami!y & Consumer Science educator, presenting the "how-to" a r~d "why's" of home canning principles for food preservation. Topics include ensuring food quality, food spoilage, acidic and non- acidic prodtrce, altitude atljust- ments, and equipment. Both water-baih and pressure can- ning topics will he covered. Sign up sheets are available for hands on classes for jellies, pickles, salsa, beans and other produce. Contact the Extension office for details.

Organizations providing infortnation for this event include South Dakota State University Cooperative Extension Service, USDA, South Dakota Department of Agriculture, North Central -- -. - Sustdi~ablz Agi iculture Resear~li & Education, Northerrt Plains Sustainable Agriculture Soc~ety,

South Dakotd Natural Resources Conservation Service, and the Nebraska Center for Rural Affairs. -

Thought: Criticizing another's garden does not keep the weeds . out of your own.

Shmn C~jfhmiller is a Yankton Corrrrp Extension educa- tor specia/izi~z.g in fami& and con- sumer scie~zces.

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NEWS 1 WEDNESDAY WEEKLY / WEST POINT. NE

Circulation = 2990

P /_

--I &e&rs to the Editor --- - - -

ilkbiaskans have a say in health care Lyons - Fanners, sniall busi-

ness owners and employees of snrall businesses across Nebraska agree: the time is now for health case reform.

Luckily for Nebraskans, Senator Ben Nelson is playing a key role in the health care reform debate. As Senator Nelson searches for solu- tions to rural America's health care challenges, he needs to hear from rural Neb1 askans.

Make a difference by calling or writing to Senator Nelson.

~ . .- Rural people h-~!o\\~ that -our health carc system can work better than it does today.

Owner-operated farms, ranches and small businesses dominate the rural economy. Reform must pro- vide optio~is, including a public health insurance option, for small businesses and their emylvyees. Rural America also needs health care reforln that provides qual- ity. affordable options to everyone, treats rural providers fairly and cre-

. ates incentives to keep our doctors,

nurses and other providers in our small towns.

Health care reform will spur entreprene~irial rural development and stimulate our economy.

When you write to Nelson, be sure to include your own experi- ences with health care and the irn- portance of health care reform to your comr~iunity.

Help us track our progt,css to- ! ward health care reform by elnail- ing (virginiaw@cfra.org\ or calling , (403-687-3103 x l0 17) to inform us that. y9~1 wrote.*_ . ., :..:. . . - .:F

Find more infc,rmatlo~ht hGp:1/ www.cfra.o1~g/09/u'rite-to-Nelson or mail your letter today to Senator Ben Nelson. Attention: Joe Brirto~l 440 North 8th Street Suite 120 Lin- coln, NE 68508.

Senator Nelson is positioning himself to be a mediator in the health cxre reform debate. That means Nebrashans h a ~ e a powerful voice in this debate.

Virginia Wolking, Center for Rural Affairs

!U I

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TIMES THURSDAY WEEKLY / PENDER, NE

I Circulation = 1338 1 0711 612009

'Grant will aid development of area e-commerce website

Representatives of the Nebras- "We will be determining schools ' x a Business Devcloprnent Center and businesses from Bancroft,

will meet with business owners Rosalie, Pender, Thurston, Lyons and school representatives from and Decatur who would like to Pender, Thurston, Rosalie, R a n - participate in development of an croft, Decatur and Lyons on Aug. e-commerce website," said Steph- 1 1 to discuss a community anie Fritz of the Center for website. Rural Affairs.

The meeting 'will "This is a wonder- begin at 6:30 p.m. ful opportunity for at the Center for area businesses Rural Afiairs of- and schools to fie in ~ y o n s . consider, and we where repre- encourage you sentatives will to attend. This present infor- is an activity we mation or1 as- are consider- sisting the six ing through the northeast Ne- Building Entre- braska commu- preneurial Com- nities in develop- munities Act Grant. ing a website that We will also be con- will offer a business sidering offering classes presence and the opportu- to individuals wanting to nity to sell products and srrvices be actively involved in maintain- online. This will be a regional ing this site and their community website available to the commu- wtbslte," she said. nities with further development to For more information, contact incorporate other area communi- Fritz at stephnnief@fra.org or call

. ties in the future. 270- 1070.

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WEEKLY

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- - -- - - - -

3B - - The Wayne Herald, Thursday, &ly 16,2009 -

dsurvey finds dramatic small business support for health care reform

A recent survey conducted by ing national sn~al l business advo- small business spokespeople. the Small Business Majority found cacy organization focused on health The Center for Rural Affairs that 63 percent of Nebraska small care reform. The organization con- (www.cfra.org) was established businesses say health care reform ducts original scientific rescarch in 1973 by rural Nebraskans con- is important to getting the economy exploring the experic~nccs and opin- cerned about family farms and on track. And 82 percent of those ions of small business owners about rural communities, and we work to Nebraska small businesses not health care reform throughout the strengthen small businesses, fam- offering health lnsurancr say they nation, and projects (his voice to ily farms and ranches, and rural cannot afford to, while 72 percent policymakrrs through a network of communities. of those who do offer it say they are

I-* X x*r - - struggling to do so.

A full copy of the survey results and accompanying report can be viewed and downloaded a t files. cfra.org/pdf/Nebraslia_research- report-62609.pdf

Key findings: Nebraska small business owners view access to health insurance as a significant barrier to entrepreneurship, see reform as necessary and import,ant to getting the economy back on track, and see themselves as part of the solution, working together with the federal government, insurers and providers. Other key findings include: - . _

The number one concern for Nebraska small business owners in health care reform is controlling costs, followed by having cover- ,,

age that is guaranteed and covers i< everybody. Eighty-two percent of 2 those businesses not offering health ' insurance say they can't afford to, while 72 percent of those who do offer it say they are struggling to do so; 80 percent of small businesses want to eliminate preexisting con- dition rules and 63 percent see these rules as a barrier to starting a business.

Sixty-three percent say health care reform is important to getting I the economy back on track; 70 per- 1 cent support the choice of a private or public health insurance plan, 51 percent say their company has a responsibility to provide health coverage for its employees. \ Small Business Majority is a lead-

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WEEKLY ORCHARD, NE Circulation = 654

0711 512009

1 I ..,~. Doerr wil I-have th;devotions.

- * '

hebhskans Have a Say in Health Care By Virginia Wolking, virginiaw@cfra.org, Center j i ~ r Rural Affairs

Farmers, small business owners and employees of small busirtesses across Nebraska agree: the time is now for health care reform.

w

Luckily for Nebraskans, Senator Ben Nelson, is playing a key role in the health care reform debate. As Senator Nelsou searches for solutions to rural - America's health care challenges, he needs to hear from rural Nebraskans.

Make a difference by calling or writing to Senator Nelson. Rural people know that our health care system can work better than it

does today. Owner-operated farms, ranches and small businesses dominate the rural

economy. Reform must provide options, including a public health insurance option, for small businesses and their employees. Rural America also needs health care reform that provides quality, affordable options to everyone, treats rural providers fairly and creates incentives to keep our doctors. nurses and other providers in our small towns. Health care reform will spur entrepreneurial rural development and stimulate our economy.

When you write to Nelson, be sure to include your own experiences with , health care and the importance of health care reform to your community.

Help us track our progress toward health care reform by emailing (virgi- niaw@cfra.org) or calling (402-687-2 103 x1017) to inform us that you wrote.

Find more information at http://www.cfra.ordO9/Write-to-Nelson or mail your letter today to Senator Ben Nelson, Attention: Joe Britton 440 North 8th Street Suite 120 Lincoln, NE 68508.

Senator Nelson i s positioning himself to be a mediator in tlie health care ,reform debate. 'That means Nebraskans have a powerful voice in this debate.*,-

.- -

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'MIRROR-SUN - THURSDAY WEEKLY

1 LYONS, NE Y Circulatmn = 735 $ i 0711 612009

IIIIIIIII IIIIIIIIIII IIIIIIIIII I Ill W

Nebraskans have a say in health care CFRA guest opinion By Virginia Wolking, Rural Policy Program Organizer

Farmers, small business awners and employees of small businesses across Nebraska agree: the time is now for health care reform.

Luckily for Nebraskans, Senator Ben Nelson, is playing a key role in the health care reform debate. As Senator Nelson searches for solutions to rural America's health care challenges, he needs to hear from rural Nebraskans.

Make a difference by calling or writing to Senator Nelson.

Rural people know that our health care system can work better than it does today.

Owner-operated farms, ranches and small businesses dominate the rural economy. Reform must provide options, including a public health insur- ance option, for small busi- nesses and their employees. -Rural America also needs .

health care reform that pro- vides quality, affordable op- tions to everyone, treats rural

providers fairly and creates incentives to keep our doctors, nurses and other providers in our small towns.

Health care reform will spur entrepreneurial rural de- velopment and stimulate our economy.

When you write to Nelson, be sure to include your own ex- periences with health care and the importance of health care reform to your community.

Help us track our progress toward health care reform by emailing (virginiaw @cfra. org) or calling (402-687-2103 x1017) to inform us that you wrote.

Find more information at http://www.cfra.org/09/Write- to-Nelson or mail your letter today to Senator Ben Nelson, Attention: Joe Britton 440 North 8th Street Suite 120 Lincoln, NE 68508.

Senator Nelson is positioning himself to be a mediator in the health care reform debate. That means Nebraskans have apow- erful voice in this debate.

. 'u NIVERSAL I lnformation Services, InC

~ V O C A T E -

THURSDAY WEEKLY LAUREL, NE Circulation = 855

- Guest Opinion

Nebraskans do have a say in the national health care debate

By Virginia Wolking Center for Rural Affairs

Farmers, small business owners and employees of small busi- nesses across Nebraska agree: the time is now for health care reform.

Luckily for Nebraskans, Senator Ben Nelson, is playing a key role in the health care reform debate. As Senator Nelson searches for solutions to rural America's health care challenges, he needs to hear from rural Nebraskans.

Make a difference by calling or writing to Senator Nelson. Rural people know that our health care system can work better

than it does today. Owner-operated farms, ranches and small businesses dominate

the rural economy. Reform must provide options, includinga public health insurance option, for small businesses and their employees. Rural America also needs health care reform that provides quality, affordable options to everyone, treats rural providers fairly and creates incentives to keep our doctors, nurses and other providers in our small towns. Health care reform Wll spur entrepreneurial rural development and stimulate our economy.

When you write to Nelson, be sure to include your own experi- ences with health care and the importance of health care reform to your community.

Help us track our progress toward health care reform by email- ing (virginiaw@cfra.org) or calling (402-687-2 103 x l0 17) to inform us that you wrote.

Find more information at http: / /www.cfra.org/09/ Write-to- Nelson or mail your letter today to Senator Ben Nelson, Attention: Joe Britton 440 North 8th Street Suite 120 Lincoln, NE 68508.

Senator Nelson is positioning himself to be a mediator in the health care reform debate. That means Nebraskans have a power- ful voice in this debate.

-

Times-Plain Dealer

Cresco,lA Circ. 2454

From Page: I 13

7/22/2009

1oVa small businesses in agreement on health care reform LYa'NS, NE - What do insurance, and they would but what surprised me was

like health care reform that that really there were no dif- provides them with options - ferences between rural and including a public health urban business owners on insurance option!' what they thought about

Bailey says small business health care reform!1 yed owners iP both rural Iowa H, says fie results of this see and urban settings agreed survey clearly demonstrate

and found that the (current cost of that the current health problems and health insurance was meat- insurance system does not

ing a fbancial burden for work well for small business- research them, with 85 percent of es, because they pay too

tbOSe surveyed not providing much and receive too little in ioE,uranct? for their employ- the way of quality and secu- ees; they sald thls was *ty. *

t 70 percent of because they couldn't afford Those opposed to the pub- 1 bwa small businesses say it. He Bays what astounded lic insurance option say it I health care reform ia impor- bim was the .level of agree- will drive up taxes and lead tant to getting the economy ment on eolutions. to diminished care. on track. -- thia is contrary tq The Iowa Small Business

m e y want to see health conventional wisdom that Majority Report is available I care reform that allowsthem rural businesses would be a online at fi1es.efra.org. Check 8 to purchase and provide bit more conservative in g o u t today. affordable, quality health their views on health care, ! - - _I

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DAILY PRESS & DAKOT SATURDAY YANKTON, SD Circulation = 82 12

-

Organic Farming Tour, Seminar July 2 1-22

BROOKINGS -An organic farm tour and seminar is set for July 21- 22 in Yankton.

The event is free and open to the public. No registration is need- ed, and the public may come and go between sessions. The semi- nars will be held at the Yankton County 4H building at 91 1 Whiting Drive, beginning Tuesday after- - noon at 1 p.m. and run through

L- Wednesday 6 p.m. .-

The July 21 sessions will offer - information to producers. Bryan

Tipton and Ann Juette, South - -

Dakota Department of Agriculture, will cover the investigation of pes-

- -

ticide damage complaints and the planned web based Pesticide Sensitive Site database & map. Three South Dakota State

- -. University Cooperative Extension

staff will also present. Julie Walker, - Beef Extension specialist, will - cover the five challenges of organ- - ic beef production, including man-

agement of production systems and marketing. Thandiwe Nleya, Extension Crop Specialist, will report on the-status of organic

- crop production in South Dakota. Peter Sexton, Associate Professor

= of sustainable agriculture, will present as overview of his work on small scale processing of canola.

The farm tour of Cwach Farms, -- -

east of Yankton, will start at 5 p.m. The farm is operated by Gary, Mary, Dan, and Kevin, and is locat- ed at 30627 439th Avenue, Yankton. Producer Gary Cwach will cover present production and

- plans for future expansion of their - operation.

July 21 at 8:30 p.m. will be a - roundtable discussion for area

producers. This meeting is free -

and open to the public, and you do not need to be organic or a producer to attend. Discussions will include defining organic and sustainable farming, and the per- spective of the producers and consumers. Producers will be

- able to share stories on certifica-

tion, marketing, and ability to access information.

The July 22 sessions will cover consumer information. Pat Garrity shows the importance to local economies of buying locally grown foods. Dale Hebda will talk about their ongoing journey of transitioning their operation to organic production. Rebecca Terk will explain what Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is about, and how to set one up, along with a second presentation later on the economics of sustain- able production methods.

July 22 sessions wrap up with Sharon Guthmiller, Extension Family & Consumer Science Educator, covering the "how-ton and "why's" of home canning principles for food preservation will be covered. Topics include ensuring food quality, food spoilage, acidic and non-acidic produce, altitude adjustments, and equipment. Both water-bath and pressure canning will be cov- ered. Sign up sheets are available , for hands on classes for jellies, pickles, salsa, beans, and other produce. Contact the extension office for details.

Organizations providing infor- mation for this event include South Dakota State University Cooperative Extension Service, USDA , South Dakota Department of Agriculture, North Central Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education, Northern Plains Sustainable Agriculture Society,

South Dakota Natural Resources Conservation Service, and the Nebraska Center for Rural Affairs

For more information, includ- ing the full schedule of speakers, contact Cynthia Bergman at the Yankton County Extension Office, 901 Whiting Dr., Yankton SD 57078.

Call (605) 665-3387, or e-mail cynthia.bergman@sdstate.edu.

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ld

f Nebraskans t f . need more i to get by and even more to get ahead

Opportunity@Work, a coali- tion in Nebraska focused on the financial stability of Nebraska's families and communities, has released findings from its report, The Family Bottom Line.

"Up to now, we have tried to understand the struggles of low income families without under- standing the economic contexts of their lives," said Dr. Catherine Huddleston-Casas, assistant pro- fessor at the University of Nebras- ka-Lincoln and principle report researcher.

Key findings in the report include necessary income estimates for 10 different family types across popula- tion density regions in Nebraska.

Findings include budget and ex- pense breakdowns of basic needs such as child care, housing, food, transportation, health care, miscel- laneous expenses and taxes, as well as the number of hours one must actually work to simply maintain the Family Bottom Line.

For example, in order to meet basic family needs independently, households with two adults, a schoolager and a preschooler need a minimum annual income of, not less than:

$32,817 in counties such as Cheyenne, Kearney, Polk and Ham- ilton;

$36,897 in counties such as Buf- falo, Hall and Scotts Bluff;

$40,597 in counties such as Lan- caster, Douglas and Washington.

Perkins County falls into the non- metro rural Nebraska category

In non-metropolitan rural Ne- braska, the Family Bottom Line was $26,716 for families with two adults and one preschooler. The hourly wage for two full-time adults to meet this annual figure is $6.42 per hour each, a rate of pay that is actually less than minimum wage.

The income needed to provide

for the basic needs of two adults with a preschooler and an infant increases by $6,823 to $33,539 annu- ally This translates to anadditional $1.64 per hour.

Like metropolitan Nebraska, non-metropolitan rural Nebras- kans need slightly less ($32,817 for two adults to support a schoolager and a preschooler ($7.78 hourly, 17 cents less per hour).

But for a family of four with two schoolagers, the Family Bottom Line climbs, reaching its highest level at $34,090 (an hourly rate of $8.19, an additional 30 cents per hour) in non-metropolitan rural Nebraska.

Among two-adult families with a teenager and a schoolager, needed income drops to $28,494 annually ($1.34 less per hour). The estimates for families with one adult follow a similar pattern across regions and family compositions. Sixty-two percent of people livipg in non- metropolitan rural Nebraska are making under $35,000.

Additional findings identify the percentage that each basic need requires of a family's income and any variations that may exist within regions in Nebraska. Child care, identified as the highest cost for most families in Nebraska, can require 22-28 percent of a family budget in two-adult households of 27-32 percent of a family budget in one-adult households.

Health care, housing and food were also among the highest costs for working families striving to meet their basic needs independently

The Family Bottom Line high- lights the fact that Nebraska is often ranked very highly for the number of individuals working in Nebraskaand yet, Nebraska's child and family poverty rates have been on the rise since 2000.

From 2000 to 2007, child poverty

in Nebraska has increased from 10 to 15 percent and family poverty has increased from 6.5 to over 8 percent. This data is unreflective of any in-

creases that may have occurred since the economic downturn in UW)8.

"Too many Nebraskans and Nebraska families are struggling below the family bottom line and the current economic climate only adds to the struggle," said Jon Bailey, director of the Rural Research and Analysis Program at the Center for Rural Affairs and report coauthor.

"We have too many families working in low paying jobs without benefits, too many families having to work multiple jobs, and too many families without sufficient time to adequately balance work, family and their community.

"To address these challenges, the report outlines a series of public policy responses that will address report findings while benefitting individuals, families, businesses and communities throughout the state.

"According to Annemarie Bai- ley Fowler, Opportunity@Work coordinator at Voices for Children in Nebraska and also a report co- author, "The Family Bottom Line reveals a realistic picture of what it takes for families to 'just get by' in Nebraska.

"Regardless of where a family lives or of family composition, the data in this report show that the Family Bottom Line is far higher than what is most commonly recog- nized.

"With this report, policies and programs can be designed and targeted to truly meet the needs of hard-working families in Nebraska and provide opportunities for families to move above the Family Bottom Line--to not just get by, but to get ahead."

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/ CENTER for RURAL AFFAIRS

Values. Worth. Action.

'Nebraskans ~ a v e A Say In Health Care' By Vit-ginicl Wolking, virginiaw@cfra.org, Center for Rural Affairs i

Farmers, small business owners and employees of small businesses across Nebraska agree: the time is now for health care reform.

Luckily for Nebraskans, Sen. Ben Nelson, is playing a key role in the health care reform debate. As Nelson searches for solutions to rural Ameri- ca's health care challenges, he needs to hear from rural Nebraskans.

Make a difference by calling or writing to Senat,or Velsop. , , , $ # .; Rural people know that our bealthcaic'system canwork better than it does

toda~l. Owner-operated farms, ranches and small businesses dominate the rural

economy. Keliwm must provide options, including a public health insur- ance option. for small businesses and thcir employees. Rural America also needs health carc reform that provides quality, affordable options to every- one, treats rural providers fairly and creates incentives to keep our doctors, nurses and other providers in our small towns. Health care reform will spur entrepreneurial rural development and stimulate our economy.

When you write to Nelson, be sure to include your own experiences with health care and the importance of health care reform to your community.

Help us track our progress toward health care reform by emailing vir- giniaw@cfra.org or callin? (402) 687-2103 ext. 1017 to inform us that yo11 wrote.

Find more information at www.cfra.org, or mail your letter today to Sena- tor Ben Nelson, Attention: Joe Britton, 440 North 8th Street Suite 120, Lin- coln. NE 68508.

senator Nelson is positioning himself to be a mediator in the health care ! - reform debate. That means Nebraskans have a powerful voice in this de- .

bate. -

TELEGRAM

COLUMBUS. Nebraska

- --- - -- Date: Monday, July 20,2009 - - -- c = f - j . - Z T - y ::s:-+-- Frequency: DAILY F;;;&

Circulation: 9347 9 grde$$ta

State mi& breaks down federal farm bill details

LYONS (AP) - Nebraska The guide o f h details an h m e n and ranchers can 23 different program inthe get some help understand- farm bill that are designed ingthehbillandflnding to help hmers, ranchers gcknment program that and other rural-ts. can- their businesses. The guide is available on-

Tbe Center for Rural Af- line a t www.cfra.org. The fairs has published a guide center also nms a farm bin to the federal farm bill to hot line that farmers can help people find pro&rams call at (402) 687- 2100. that might help them get Onthew& started or sweeedat h- -for -Rural Affairs: ing and ranching. http:/nnrW.cfra.org

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CITIZEN

HOLDREGE, Nebraska

Date: Frequency: Circulation:

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Monday, DAILY 2993 7.70 $6.75 3

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Guide breaks down farm bill LYONS, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska farmers and nmchers can get some help

understanding the farm bill and finding government programs that can help their businesses.

The- has published a guide to the federal fm bill b. help people fmd programs that might help them get sterted or succeed at farm- ing and ranching. . The guide offers details on 23 different p m g m ~ in the f m bill that are

designed to help farmers, ranchers and other rural residents. The guide is available onfiie at www.chorg. The center also rub a farm

bill hot lim that farmers can call at (402) 687-2100.

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FARM BILL GUIDE LYONS - Nebraska farm-

en and ranchers can get some help unddtanding the farm bill and finding government progmms that can help their businesses.

The Center for h i M f a i n has published a guide to the federal farm bill to help p ple find programs that might help them get started or suc- ceed at farming and ranching.

The guide offers details on 23 different propuns in the farm bill that are designed to help farmers, ranchers and other nual residents.

The guide is available online at www.dra.otg. The center also runs a farm bffl hot line that farmers can call at (402) 687-2100.

The Assoc~ated Press

Monday, DAILY 1 1794 6.39 $14.89 A 5

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BEATRICE, Nebraska

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Guide breaks down federal farm bill details LYONS (AP) - Nebraska "

farmers &I ranchers can get some heip understanding the farm bill and finding govern- ment pXpgrams that can help their businesses.

The Center for Rural BffaLs has published a guide to the federal farm bill to help people find programs that might help them get started or succeed at farming and ranching.

The guide offers details on 23 different programs in the farm bill that are designed to help farmers, ranchers and other rural resi- dents.

The guide is available online at www.cfra.org. The center also runs a farm bid hot line that farmers can call at 402-687-2100.

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YORK, Nebraska

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Letters 'to the Editor Health care reform advocates

respond to Johanns (Editor's note: A group of work~ng people can't afford to

Nebraska health care udvs- purchase coverage or can't cures respund to a speech afford the care they need once deiivered last week on the they are covered. fl'r of tkc L1.S. Senatc.bv.&tr- Affordable health insur- ator Mike Johanns regarding ance must covcr what the current heulfh care reform Nebraskans need to keep them dcbute in Congress. Their healthy. provide adequate cov- statement follows.) erage when they need it, and

protect them from out of con- "While we disagree with trol costs. It's time to put good

some of the statistics Senator politics to work to get good Johanns cited in his floor policy in place for Nebraska's speech last week. he was right farmers, ranchers. families, that Congress must focus on and businesses throughout our affordability when crafting rural and urban communities. comprehensive health care We urge both Senators I r e f a n legislation. Johanns and Nelson to work

Making health care afford- toward comprehensive health able is essential to helping care reform that focuses on families. individuds and busi- affordabili~y." nesses facing crushing medical costs. In particular, the family Jatte Fleming Kleeh, sture farmers. ranchers and rural direcror, Ciumge That Works small businesses that are. so Nrbraska, u projea r$ SEIU imponant to rural Nebraska's for: AARP. Atn~ricarr Cat~cer economy face some of the Sottern A'Jumul, Ad~acates & greatest health carc challenges Associutes . Center for People under the current system. The in Need. Center or R cost of doing nothing is too irr Ne / rasku Appleseed, great and Nebraskans can't %ku Heulth Care for wait any longer .fa; -reill Atneric-(I f i o ~ ~ , . . Nrbraska reform. Lrrhun brdiun Health Coali-

All Americans must be tion . Riclrard L. O'Brien, MD guaranteed coverage they can , SEIU Change Thut Works afford. Health care reform leg- attd t4~ic.c~ for Children in islation will be meaningless if Nehmskn.

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DAILY NEWS

NORFOLK, Nebraska

Date: Wednesday, July 22,2009 -. -'UL.v.r i?

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Circulation: 17282 &;zl-="- on-; r+-= q

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Ad Rate: $1 9 s.!:; a-e IS t%,$"" Pagelsection: 4 z2,wBz -

Help is available LYONS - There are many farm bill

programs that offer opportunities for farmers, ranchers and aspiring farmers and ranchers. Thq trick is being aware of these programs and being able to compre- hend them.

The-ter for Rural Affairs' recently released guide, "Farm Bill Programs for You and Your Community," is designed to provide farmers and ranchers information on farm bill programs that can help them get started in farming or ranching, estab- lish high-value niche markets, implement conservation-based farming or ranching systems as well as transition to organic farming or ranching.

The comprehensive guide provides information on 23 different farm bill pro- grams that are targeted to help farmers, ranchers and rural people across the coun- try. There are programs on conservation, credit and land access, rural development and local food, research, horticulture and organic, and risk management and out- reach. The guide can be downloaded at: http://www.cfra.org/nodell917

ELISHA GREELEY Rural SMITH Affairs

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Guest opinion Job lock phenomena.

Someone once told me agricultural. Entrepreneurs that work is not fun, that's add jobs and create wealth. why it's called work. This Spumng innovation and person was stuck in an job creation in rural com- unsatisfactory job that the munities through entrep- kept only because it pmvid nemhip is the key to ravi- ed health insurance. They talizing rural communities aspired to start their oyn and ensuring Rural Ameri- business, but it was too ca's long-tenn future. risky. Properly developed and

The lack of affordable, administered, a public uality health insurance is health insurance pian could

Qe primary barrier to en-- provide an affordable and preneurship reaching its quality choice to benefit the

ntlal for rural people- entrepreneurs of rural E m S t of health insllr'ance America it would p v i & prevent. small businesses a option that does and entrepreneurs from not cumntly exist for rural expanding their businesses businesses to provide and creating jobs; the cost health care coverage for of health insurance makes it owners and employees, and less likely for rural small for families that are businesses to provide pursuing their eatrepre- health insurance to their em loyees, affecting the n e u ~ ~ d ~ ~ ~ r he& of their emplo ees and making it more iiiely e s t a ' ~ h ~ they will seek employment 1973 as an non- in urban areas. Health profit copration under insurance costs also affect IRS code 501(c)3. The-- the dreams of potential & for Rural Affairs was rural entre reneurs, delay - formed by rural Nebraskans ing or kiling an idea by concemed about family making it too risky for one farms and nual ,mmuni- to leave employer-provided ties, and we work to insurance at a current job, strengthen small business- the so-called "job lock* es, family farms and ranch- phenomena. es, and rural communities.

The rural economy is Contact Elisha Greeley based on entrepreneurship, Smith at elishas@c/ra.org, both agricultural an$ non-

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