Legislation For Wind Energy Advances
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In the past two weeks, members of the Nebraska Legislature have given their initial approval to legislation that would help spur wind development in Nebraska.
LB 402 was given first round approval, 33-0, that would make it easier for renewable energy companies to qualify for sales-tax exemptions under the existing Rural Community Based Energy Develpment Act, which was created to encourage wind energy projects.
LB 104 would create a Tier 7 in the Nebraska Advantage Act, allowing for qualifying projects to be eligible to receive partial or full refunds of their sales tax based on the level of investment in the project. It advanced 27-0.
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Sandhills Cattle Association Convention Set for May 23 in Atkinson
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The Sandhills Cattle Association will hold its 74th Annual Convention in Atkinson, Ne., on Thursday, May 23 at the Atkinson Community Center.
The program will feature presentations on Nebraska water law and resource management, cattle nutrition and an update on the proposed state beef checkoff. The day's activities will include an industry trade show with indoor and outdoor exhibits, presentation of scholarships and benefit auction. The Association will also hold its annual business meeting with the election of directors and officers for the coming year.
The convention is open to any interested cattlemen and women. Registration fees paid before May 15 are $40/person for Association members and $55/person for non-members. Registration includes: admission to all activities, two meals and the social hour. After May 15 the prices increase by $10.
A registration form with a detailed schedule will be available on the Sandhills Cattle Association website: www.sandhillscattle.com or by contacting the Sandhills Cattle Association office at 402-376-2310 or 800-658-0551 or email sca@sandhillscattle.com
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Holt County Taxable Sales:
Jan '13: $8,952,508
Jan '12: $8,272,045
Increase of 8.2%
Atkinson Taxable Sales:
Jan '13: $1,701,701
Jan '12: $1,329,300
Increase of 28%
O'Neill Taxable Sales:
Jan '13: $6,155,373
Jan '12: $5,916,626
Increase of 4%
National Unemployment:
March '13-7.6%
March '12-8.2%
Nebraska Unemployment:
March '13-3.9%
March '12-4.2%
Holt County Unemployment:
March '13-3.2%
March '12-3.1%
Lodging Tax Remitted to
Holt County:
Feb '13-$4,444
Feb '12-$3,992
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A new business has opened up in downtown O'Neill. Honey Hollow, a whole food/natural food store, has been opened up by Jeremy and Mandi Steele. The store is located at 320 East Douglas Street.
The Steele's are excited to be in downtown O'Neill and are excited to help bring this type of retail activity to the region.
In the store, you'll find a variety of organic bulk dry goods, raw almonds and nuts, raw honey, organic spices and more. Future plans include a bakery.
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Both Kyle & Andrea grew up around the Spencer Nebraska area. Kyle spent his days either working on the ranch near Gross, Nebraska or playing football and basketball at Spencer-Naper high where he graduated in 2001. Kyle then went on to College at Midland Lutheran College where he played football and graduated with a degree in Criminal Justice. Andrea also graduated from Spencer-Naper High School in 2000 were she was very active in the community and school functions. Andrea attended Wayne State College where she earned a degree in Business Marketing.
 Kyle and Andrea were married in 2005 and are blessed with twin boys Seth and Austin who were born in 2009. They currently live in Stuart where they are enjoying the rural area life style. They spend most of their time chasing after their boys and when they have time they venture back to Spencer to visit family and help on the family ranch.
In 2007, Kyle and Andrea had enough of the big city life and had an opportunity to move back to the area where they grew up. Kyle started working for the Tri County Bank in Stuart as a credit analyst mainly for the agricultural and commercial loan department where he is now the Vice President of Ag/Commercial Lending. Kyle is currently serving as the treasurer of the Stuart Athletic Club and is a member of the St. Boniface Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, Stuart Community Boosters, Holt County Young Professionals, and is a graduate of the HomeTown Leadership Institute. Andrea is currently working for Atkinson Family Dental as a Dental Assistant.
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SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans Available to Nebraska Small Businesses
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Small, non-farm businesses in all Nebraska counties except Richardson county are now eligible to apply for low-interest federal disaster loans from the U. S. Small Business Administration (SBA).
"These loans offset economic losses because of reduced revenues caused by the drought that began April 2, 2013 in the following counties," announced Alfred E. Judd, Director of SBA's Disaster Field Operations Center - West.
"SBA eligibility covers both the economic impacts on businesses dependent on farmers and ranchers that have suffered agricultural production losses caused by the disaster and businesses directly impacted by the disaster," Judd said.
Small, nonfarm businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private, nonprofit organizations of any size may qualify for Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) of up to $2 million to help meet financial obligations and operating expenses which could have been met had the disaster not occurred.
"Eligibility for these loans is based on the financial impact of the disaster only and not on any actual property damage. These loans have an interest rate of 4% for businesses and 2.875% for private, nonprofit organizations, a maximum term of 30 years, and are available to small businesses and most private, non-profits without the financial ability to offset the adverse impact without hardship," Judd said.
By law, SBA makes EIDLs available when the U. S. Secretary of Agriculture designates an agricultural disaster. Secretary Tom Vilsack declared this disaster on April 10, 2013.
Businesses primarily engaged in farming or ranching are not eligible for SBA disaster assistance. Agricultural enterprises should contact the Farm Service Agency (FSA) about the U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) assistance made available by the Secretary's declaration. However, in drought disasters nurseries are eligible for SBA disaster assistance.
Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA's secure Web site.
The deadline to apply for these loans is December 10, 2013.
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