cfra 062909a clips

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brook (June 19 Pulse) ap- ot understand the problems nlulus funds. The stimulus ange a short-term problem problem and have strings

Eventually, the funds run out and we are back where we started, but deeper into debt with new rules to follovv. No jobs or programs are saved. Layoffs are merely delayed.

I Furthermore, government tax revenues

are going down due to many people losing their jobs. To depend on stimulus funds to

. . save jobs is simply stupid.

Free markets create more jobs and prosperity for more people than any other system. Every time government attempts to make it better by taking away risks or help- ing one group of people over another, the result is disaster.

Look at what government has done with housing, education and health care over the past 50 years. We have people living in homes they cannot afforti, student5 1 1 t w ~ ~ i ~ i n ~

out of high school in record ~iumbers and rising costs in health care.

Yet, people insist that spending trillions of dollars into debt will briug us closer to prosperity. Welcome to the new insanity! We are extremely rich because w e are extremely in debt!

Andrew L. Sullivan, Omaha

Health care reform a winner for rural America

If you want to see just how badly broken America's health care system is come to the country.

Be careful during your visit, however, because rural America-where just nine percent of the nation's doctors serve 17 percent of its citizens scat- tered across 80 percent of its geography-is not an ideal place to find medical care.

Ks an even worse place to get medical insurance, according to hri l 2009 reoort issued bv the cknter for R& ~ f f a i r s (CFLI) in -E. In fact, if you want to ~ u t a face on the need for Congress and the White House to reform the nation's health care system look no further than the weathered ones of farmers and ranchers.

The reasons for reform are evident, says Jon Bailey, director of rural research and analysis at CRA. Bailey co-authored the report with colleague Julia Hudson and Dr. Joe Blankenau, a professor of politics at Wayne (NE) State University.

Fist , he notes, rural Americans need health care insurance more than urban counterparts because their demographic--older, poorer and less educated-means greater use of the health care system. Insurance to cover that need, though, is growing problem in rural America.

"Overall, 72 percent of the urban nonelderly have insurance \

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6Y Food BY ALAN GUEBERT -.

through employers," explains the CRA report. It's 61 percent for rural nonelderly.

Most of the fall-off can be traced to jobs. Rural America is dominated by small business and "people working for small business are twice as likely to be uninsured," says the CRA report.

Moreover, rural business is usually low-wage business, the key reason why many locate in rural areas. And a big key to that low wage is not providing health insurance. 'Workers making about $7 per hour are three times more likely to be uninsured" than workers in higher-wage jobs, claims the report.

Then there's the biggie: self- employment. "About 33 percent of rural residents are self employed, a much hlgher rate than the roughly 21 percent of selfemployed urban residents." Self-employment, especially in rural America, is an elemental factor in "greater health insurance vulnerability."

These reasons, and more, mean most rural Americans have either no insurance, inadequate or less comprehensive insurance or more costly health insurance than urban Americans. In fact, notes the report, while only eight percent of all Americans have individual policies, "33 percent of all farmers and ranchers" rely on such policies.

More importantly, Bailey explains in a May 19 telephone interview, "Health insurance coverage and cost is an 'anything goes, wild west show,' across

rural America." There's little regulation, little competition and fewer options for this more vul- nerable group, he says.

But health care reform, Congress and the Administration's key legislative goal this year, might not fix the problem, says Bailey. 'Everyone agrees health care costs need to be reined in; few agree on how to do it," he notes.

The biggest issue is designing a way for the current market to contain rampant costs (up 78 percent between 2001 and 2007) or establishing "a public health insurance option," Bailey explains, "to increase competition."

He favors the latter, he says, ' because it will provide more insurance options that are more competitively-priced for rural Americans as well as at least maintain, and maybe even increase, health care choices throughout farm and ranch country.

Bailey is right. Relying on health insurance companies to lix health insurance is like relying bankers to fix banks. A government-backed alternative-there still will be private providers-- will ensure a reform program actually reforms today's limping system.

Then again we can continue to . pay more for less until we qualify for better, cheaper care under Medicaid and Medicare. Oh, that's a government-backed option, too, isn't it?

O 2009 ag comm . -

. Health care reform a winner ' for rural America

If you want to see just how badly broken America's health care system is come to the country.

Be careful during your visit, however, because rural America-where just nine percent of the nation's doctors serve 17 percent of its citizens scat- tered across 80 percent of its geography-is not an ideal place to find medical care.

IYs an even worse place to get medical insurance, according to A~r i l 2009 r e ~ o r t issued bv-the enter for ~ & a l Affairs (~fiA) in L-In fact, if you want to put a face on the need for Congress and the White House to reform the nation's health care system look no further than the weathered ones of farmers and ranchers.

The reasons for reform are evident, says Jon Bailey, director of rural research and analysis at CRA. Bailey co-authored the report with colleague Julia Hudson and Dr. Joe Blankenau, a professor of politics at WE) State University.

\ First, he notes, rural

BY ALAN GUEBERT Americans need health care insurance more than urban counterparts because their demographic-older, poorer and less educated-means greater use of the health care system. Insurance to cover that need, though, is growing problem in rural America.

"Overall, 72 percent of the urban non-elderly have insurance through employers," explains the CRA report It's 61 percent for rural non-elderly. w

Most of the fall-off can be traced to jobs. Rural America is dominated by small business and "people working for small business are twice as likely to be uninsured," says the CRA report.

Moreover, rural business is usually low-wage business, the key reason why many locate in rural areas. And a big key to that low wage is not providing health insurance. 'Workers making about $7 per hour are three times more likely to be uninsured" than workers in higher-wage jobs, claims the report.

Then there's the V i e : self- employment. "About 33 percent of rural residents are self employed, a much higher rate

than the roughly 21 percent of self-employed urban residents." Self-employment, especially in rural America, is an elemental factor in "greater health insurance vulnerabiity."

These reasons, and more, mean most rural Americans have either no insurance, inadequate or less comprehensive insurance or more costly health insurance than urban Americans. In fact, notes the report, while only eight percent of all Americans have individual policies, "33 percent of all farmers and ranchers" rely on such policies.

More importantly, Bailey explains in a May 19 telephone interview, "Health insurance coverage and cost is an 'anything goes, wild west show,' across rural America." There's little regulation, little competition and fewer options for this more vul- nerable group, he says.

But health care reform, Congress and the Administration's key legislative goal this year, might not fix the problem, says Bailey. "Everyone agrees health care costs need to be reined in; few agree on how to do it," he notes.

The biggest issue is designing a way for the current market to contain rampant costs (up 78 percent between 2001 and 2007) or establishing "a public health insurance option," Bailey explains, "to increase competi- - tion."

He favors the latter, he says, because it will provide more insurance options that are more competitively-priced for rural Americans as well as at least maintain, and maybe even increase, health care choices throughout farm and ranch country.

Bailey is right. Relying on health insurance companies to Eur health insurance is like relying bankers to fix banks. A government-backed alternative-there - still will be private providers- will ensure a reform program actually reforms today's limping system.

Then again we can continue to pay more for less until we qualify for better, cheaper care under Medicaid and Medicare. Oh, that's a government-backed option, too, isn't it?

O 2009 ag comm

MIRROR-SUN THURSDAY WEEKLY LYONS, NE

- 1 a C~rculatmn= 735 05/21/2009

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. ., -'

To submit items for the Lyons/Local page, contact Daniel Bridges by email danielbridges Qhuntel.net, by.phone 687-2616 or fax 687-26 1 7

The 2000 Decade in Lyons History Lyons Public Library Column By Mary Fritts Library Director

The year 2000 arrived and with assistance from techs life continued much as we had known it. We were hope- ful for a fresh start and new President. Then suddenly on the morning of Sept. 11, 2001, right before our eyes, life changed. We wept and mourned with our fellow man and realized we were not im- mune to terrorist attacks on our shores. Humanitarian aid to New York City, beefed up Homeland Security, counter- ing Taliban activities, efforts to rout the elusive Osama bin Laden, rebuilding Afghani- stan, war against Saddam Hussein regime and A1 Qaeda, along with rebuilding Iraq, humanitarian aid to those dev- astated by the Tsunami, and dealing with our own natural disaster of Katrina over the past 8 years have been costly in terms of expense, human life, and volunteer respond- ers. Today, the first Afro- American candidate elected as United States President promises change even amid economic decline spawned by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac house loans practices signed by President Clinton and C.E.O.'s profiting personally at the expense of their businesses and employees.

On the local front, the city cleared part of Holmquist Lumber Yard building to make way for to house city equipment under one roof.

Center for Rural Affairs decided to relocate to Ly- ons and built new offices aiid meeting room on Main Street.

In 2004, Lyons was award- ed a Community Develop- ment Block Grant of $250,000 to build a new library. Peter Kiewit grant, donations, and local fundraisers made it a paid in full building six months after the move. Brooks Larson was Chairman of the Library Board at the time of the building project and Jim French, architect. Governor Dave Heineman was present for the grand opening. -- - - - - - - --

Construction began on Cen- tral Valley Ag with Lorenzen Redi-mix updating facilities to provide the required cement for the project.

A new water tower, waste treatment project, and taking down the Old Opera House were first items on the agenda for new Mayor, Andy Fus- ton.

After much ground work was laid by the rural fire district, a new fire house was built on Main Street. Carolyn McElroy serves as rescue captain, and Terry Ueding, Fire Chief. Jim Buck, Police Chief, and Ron Daberkow, City Superintendant. When Lonetta Webster retired in 2002, Cindy Stansberry and then Kevin Tonjes became our Postmaster.

This decade is unique in several teachers who came here in the 60's and70's retired including Gene Nelsen, Doug Anderson, Floyd Brown, Lo- retta Barada, Jim Vlach, Sue Sydow, and ReginaHeideman. Long time administrator, Butch Forsburg also retired.

Chuck Hassebrook was Director of the C . ~ t e r for Ru- ral Affairs, Fred Hansen was Superintendent of Northeast Schools and Doug Smith, Principal. June Small was Administrator at the Logan Valley Manor and Katie Pond was Head of Happy Days Se- nior Center. Dr. Tracie Martin and Pete Thiele were medical staff in Lyons. Dr. Dracula took over the dentist office after Dr. Bradley retired. Mary Lou Ritter became our new City Clerk andPam Stansberry continued as &sista&- Mary Fritts was Library Director. Upon Terry Koch's retirement, Tim Slaughter became agent at Farm & Home Insurance office.

First National Bank North- east marked its 100th year in business with a gala celebration in the city park including avisit from 'Little Red', Nebraska Cornhusker mascot.

Community Club continued its long tradition of hosting special holiday events, the Blue Grass Festival, Memorial Day picnics, Volunteer Appre-

ciation Banquets and business promotions.

The Lyons Community Foundation grant money was used to help with various community needs and projects.

HunTel brought cable to town for tv and internet service. Johnson's sold their Hardware Store and Denise Johnson re- located Petal Pushers adding a coffee and catering service area. Allen Steinmeyerbought the Feed and Seed Store adding hardware items and paint. Lynn and Jim Pelan took over the Mortuary from Steve Pieper. Bev Preston steppeduf to full time legal secretary for Dan Smith upon Judy Stone's retirement.

Br iq Raabe became manager of Save More upon the sudden death of his father.

Kempcke's sold Lyons Oil. Jensen's built a new building for their Plumbing and Heat- ing Business. Gerald Newill's storage unitswere a community need. Peterson's bought Swine Service Specialist's building for their truck business. Linda Vetick moved her shop to the middle of the block. Brehrner's Mfg. enlarged to customize trucks and manufacture feeders for A.J. O'Mara, Inc.

The Logan Valley Manor added outpatient physical therapy and a memory unit. We were saddened by the early death of Roxanne Carlson, long time activities director at the manor. Larry Jensen retired and the drug store on main closed it's doors in 2004.

Elm Creek Country School, the last one inBurt County also closed it's doors. Public Pre- S c h o l w% added toNortheast School Curriculum.

Ministers during the decade were: Rev. Van de Meer and Rev. Neal Mather , Bethany Lutheran; Pastor Kirk Erwin and Pastor Gary Fugman, Presbyterian; Fr. Leo Rigatuso and Fr. Paul Ortrneier, St. Jo- seph Catholic; Rev. Bob Call, Rev. Ford, Rev. Schmechl, and Rev. Karohl, Memorial Methodist; and Pastor Gene Hendricksen and Pastor Jeff Clark, New Life Assembly. The Presbyterian, Methodist, and St. Joseph Catholic Church

i

celebrated milestones during this decade.

Dwain & Bobbie Gahan, sold the Mirror Sun to Frank Rhodes following Dwain's battle with cancer. Editors during this decade include: Idaire Kucera, Jodie Jordon, and Daniel Bridges.

Looking to new sources for energy, Robert Bymes, established the Screw Press powered by wind energy to extract and process green fuel. Nebraska Green Fuels Co-op then provides e85 ethanol fuel and flex fuel conversions. John, Jason, & Liam O'Mara are working on wind power.

Follyball. a new fundraiser event begun in 2006 is enjoyed by 13 to 18 teams comprised of Northeast students, college i students, and adults from the ' community. Sponsored by Northeast Sports Boosters and the Lyons Public Library, over 100 participants enjoy a fun night of competitive vol- leyball while raising money for ~ -

worthwhile projects. Approximately 180 North-

east High School students have graduated during this decade. Many of these students have continued to excel in sports, academics, speech, music, and student organizations. The last class to graduate from Lyons High School in 1984 will be the 25 Year Honor Class at the 2009 Alumni Banquet.

The newly formed 20120 Committee is discussing ways to promote our community . -.

including steps necessary for Lyons to be eligible to be .~

listed on the National Historic Registryl_ :

These summaries high-' ; lighted the history of Lyons in preparation for the 125th Anniversary to be celebrated at the Bluegrass Festival on I July 4, 2009.

Date: Tuesday, June 16,2009 Location: FOSSTON, MN Circulation (DMA): 9,000 (1 19) Type (Frequency): Newspaper (W) Page: 4 Keyword: Center For Rural Affairs

Three Reasons For Teen Obesitv u

Absba Peterson, a~sb&4ra. 0%. Centerfor bra1 Affain

Ever wonder why it's so easy for kids to gain weight instead of lose it? I have and for that reason, I've come up with a list of three reasons why kids gain weight.

As a teen, it's hard to juggle various activities and still lose the pounds. Hectic schedules conmbute to poor food choices.

Second, is modern transportation. According to an article I read, 40 years ago half of all school kids walked or bicycled to school. Today, fewer than 15'Y" do because of traffic safety concerns.

Also, the food we eat. It's easy to eat at fast food chains instead of making something nutritious. hlany teens have limited access to healthy food. Some rural towns don't have a grocery store and residents rely on convenience stores for their food, which offer few if any healthy choices.

For rural teens, finding ways to overcome the challenge of obesity can be tricky. In small communities, numer-

ous things such as gyms and health food stores aren't available. As a solution, teens and their parents could raise a garden with fresh produce, or shop at their local Farmer's Market. Adolescents could try running in their town, using the gym at their school, or perhaps take the 'Walk- ing School Bus," which is like a carpool that gives parents the responsibility to walk the "bus" riders to school. These are a few solutions that we could choose to stay healthy and amid obesity. See full report at http://wwoocfra. org/09/0 1 /healthreport.

Alysha Peterson is a sophomore at Lyons-Deca- tur Northeast high school in Lyons, NE. She is complet- ing an internship over the summer with the Rural 2s a part of her Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) for FFA. Alysha is currently interested in a career in agricultural jour- nalism.

Page 1 of 1

Q 2009 IDTOWNS All Rihts Re.srvsd.

Account: 18209C (23053) MN-116

For reprinb or rghs, pleare contact ma publisher

NEWS-REGISTER

AURORA, Nebraska

Date: Frequency: Circulation: Clip Size: Ad Rate: Pagelsection:

Wednesday, June 3,2009 WEEKLY 3382 32.08 sq. inches $6.8 B 5

EQIP deadline extended two weeks

A two-week extension has been announced for the Environmental Quality Incen- tives Program (EQIP) organic incentives program.

Farmers transitioning to organic farming and those already conducting organic practices have an opportunity to apply for EQlP money to assist their organic efforts. Originally the sign up was to last until Friday, May 29. but has been extended until June 12.

The USDA announced that $50 million out of $1 bil- lion EQlP funds will be set aside for farms converting to organic production or expanding their organic production. Those with existing organic fanns who desire to reach even higher levels of environmental performance are also eligible.

Farmers can receive com- pensation for six core conservation practices (conservation crop rotation, cover cropping, integrated pest management, nutrient management. rota- tional grazing, and forage harvest management) under the program. These are available on a nationwide basis. Farmers who want to apply for these funds should visit their .local county Natural Resource Conservation Service office.

-Farmers can call tbeit state office to find out if their state has extended the application deadline.

"This is a very busy time for farmers and it's unfortu- nate that there is such a small window to sign up for the program, but hopefully the extension allows more farmers to find time to apply," commented Traci Bruckner, Centcr

h r Rural Affairs. According to Bruckner, the

Center for R u W is assisting producers as much. as possible during this short' application window. The Center is operating a Farm Bill Helpline where producers can call in and receive assistance in accessing new conserva-. tion programs like the EQIP organic initiative.

Rruckner said the Center : fnr Rural Affairs has a long : history of assisting family farmers and ranchers to accdss new conservation programs.. "Through our helpline you . ,

will get to speak to a real - person who is knowledgeabte about the program rules to . help you understand how to participate in the program," he said. Producers can call (402) 687-2 100 and ask for the Fabn Bill Helpline or send an email to [email protected].

The EQTP organic initiative assistance is not the only program covered by the Center's Farm Bill Helpline; Assistance is also available' : for the Conservation Steward- ship Prdgram, the Cooperative Conservation Partnerships ,'

Initiative, the Value Added Ag- rici~ltural Market Development Program and a host of Begin- ning Farmer and Rancher : provisions.

'llhe u e r for h r m was established in 1973 as an unaffiliated nonprofit corpora- tion under IRS code 501 (c)3. The was formed by rural Nebras- kans concerned about family farms and rural communities, and we work to strengthen ,

small businesses, family fams and ranches and rural communities.

Universal Information Services , Inc. http://news.universaI-info.com Page: 1 / I Profile: 1 I I - Center for Rural Atfairs Recipient: John Crabtree

Traer Star- I Clipper

Traer,lA Circ. 1494

From Page:

1 93 - Center for Rural Affairs - -

1 Three ReasonsFOPTeen Obesity 1 because of traffic safety concerns.

Also, the. food we eat. It's easy to eat at fast food chains instead of making something nutritious. Many teens have limited access to healthy food. Some rural towns don't have a grocery store and residents rely on convenience stores for their food, which offer few if any healthy choices.

For rural teens, finding ways to overcome the challenge of obesity can be tricky. In small communities, numerous things ~ o c h F S gyms and health food stores arerr't avail. able. As a solution, teens and their parents could

-

I 1 raise a garden with fresh

produce, or shop at their local Farmer's Market. Adolescents could try running in their town, using the gym at their, school, or perhaps take the "Walking School Bus," which is like a carpool that gives parents the responsibility to walk the "bus" riders to school. These are a few solutions that we could choose to stay healthy and avoid obesity. See full report at http://www.cfra.orgI09/01 1 healthreport: -

By Alysha Peterson, alyshap8 cfra.org,

Center for Rural Affairs Ever wonder why it's so

easy for kids to gain weight instead of lose it? I . have and for that reason, . I've mme up with a List of I three reasons why kids gain weight.

As a teen, it's hard to juggle various activities

- and still lose the pounds. Hectic schedules contribute to poor food choices.

' Second, is modern transportation. According ,to an article I read, 40

I years ago half of a l l / school kids walked or

bicycled to school. -

! Today, fewer than 15% do

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NEWS-BLADE WEDNESDAY WEEKLY BRIDGEPORT, NE ' -. Circulation = 1695

i 05/27/2009 i IIllllllllllY llllllllllllllllIlIIllI

Add Value With

producer- rant By Elisha Greeley Smith, ' [email protected], Center . - for Rural Affairs

The United States Depart- , ment of Agriculture is accept- : ing applications for $18 mil-

'

lion in Value Added Producer [ Grants to develop value-added

- - agricultural business ventures. July 6, 2009 is the deadline to apply for a Value-Added Pro- ducer Grant. Farmers, ranchers or groups of producers with an idea that would add value to products raised on their farms or ranches are eligible. A special reserve is set aside for beginning and socially disad- . ..

vantaged farmers and ranchers. The deadline to apply for reserved hnds is June 22.

These grants are popular and competitive and the application process can be complicated, ,

but fortunately, help is available. The Center for Rural Af- fairs is operating a Farm Bill - Helpline where producers can I

_ call in and receive assistance in accessing programs like the _ _V.a!ueAdded Producer Grant, _ :--

Increasing the value of a raw agricultural product between harvest and sale of the final product typically includes processing in some way such as cleaning, cutting, labeling, ;

smoking, drying, freezing, or preserving. Marketing unique and high quality food products also adds value to farm and ranch products. Many consumers are willing to pay a premium for locally produced, high-quality, natural or organic farm-raised products.

- Through our helpline you will speak to a real person who is knowledgeable about the program. .producers can call 402-687-2100 and ask for the '

Farm Bill Helpline. !

For more information on these grants and how to apply

' .contact Mike Heavrin, .- . . - [email protected], 402-687- 1 - -~

2103 ext. 1008, or visit: httD:// ,---

www.rurdev.usda~eov!rbs/coop - - - -- - .-. s/vadg,hm -. -

For a proposal template: : &&;!Hpc.unl .edu/~usine&r~ nt.shtml#telllp&i@ -

For more information: \ www.cfra .a !/- - --"-=- -- - - _..s

.--

-

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I DAILY PRESS & DAKOTAN 1 S A T W A Y WEEKLY I YANKTON, SD 1 Circulation = 82 12 I 0611 312009

I 1111111 ll WNlllllll lllllHllllll - - ,-

- - ~- - - . . - -- I--

griculture Sustaina

- -- - - - .- - - .-

Iowa Farmer Gives I Unique Perspective On 1 Farming Issues, Politics

BY RITA BRHEL - - . -

P&D Correspondent

-- AURORA, Neb. - Most producers would hesitate before identifying themselves as an environmentalist, but not Chris Peterson. And that's partially what made him such an attrac- tive candidate to speak at last month's Nebraska Environmental Action Coalition (NEAC)-Nebraska Food Cooperative Annual Conference in Aurora. . -- . -- -- -

"We're at the point in the battle as far as looking out for the future and what that's all about," said Ted Thieman, president of NEAC, in his welcome to Peterson. "We need a kind of quiet revolution to make some of these unsustainable practices into a sustainable approach."

Peterson, a family farmer from Clear Lake, Iowa, is just the sort of revolutionist to make that happen, Thieman said. Peterson is currently serving his third term as president of the lowa Farmers Union, what Thiemar~ calls the "renegade state" of the National Farmers Union, and has been leading the fight against unsustainable conventional agriculture for the past nearly 20 years, ever since the 1980s farm crisis. His perspective on politics was then reinforced with the hog crisis in the late 1990s.

"I've felt the pain. I've seen the bankruptcies. I've heard the suicides," Peterson said. "1 was one of those guys caught with 3,000 hogs at 8 cents a pound. That forced a reorganization, and three years later, I filed for

bankruptcy because I coilldn't pay the debt."

Today, Peterson and his wife raise Berkshire pigs, bale small- square hay, and sell organic eggs from 120 chickens. "I believe in the family farm structure. I believe in sustainability. I love rural America," he said.

"Quite frankly, I practice what I preach, and I'm quite proud of it," he added.

It was about the time that he went through the drowning hog market that this Democrat foak his advocacy for sustainable agriculture to a whole new level: politics.

"I bleed politics," said Peterson, who explained he first got involved in the late 1990s as a close friend and agricultural advisor to then presidential candidate Al Gore. He later advised candidates Howard Dean and Senator John Edwards,

"Last time around, I worked with all of them including Baiack," Peterson said. "He's a gcod guy basically. There's going to be a lot of changes if he can get them implernenttd."

It'll be good change, Peterson added. "If the American public knew what was going on in agriculture now, it would be unacceptable to the American public."

Among the issues the Obama Administration are advocating is for control of anticompetitive behavior by packers, direct payment limits and subsidy caps, local control, Country-of-Origin Labeling "that means something," organic certification, crop insurance for organic fruits and vegetables, and regional

- .. .- ----- .~ . Through every purchase of Peterson's pork, consumers are "In lowa, we only consume 9 percent of the food showing that they.d rather pay

grown, and we're one of the most fertile places on 70 cents a pound for fresh, Earth. Frankly, it's an embarrassment." local, sustainably raised meat

rather than 33 cents for meat CHRIS PETERSON from an anonymous, conven-

tional farm probably hundreds - - .- - of miles from home. Consumers

are better lobbvists than those and local food networks.

"The list goes on and on," Peterson said. "You know what this is? It's on the White House Web site. They've heard us."

He recently talked with Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack about sustainable agriculture and was pleased with what he heard, for the most part. "The opportunities are back to change things," Peterson said.

The time is ripe for sustainable agriculture, he said, adding that the media has taken a renewed interest as local and organic foods break out of a niche market and into main- stream consumer groups. First

Lady Michelle Obama's back- yard garden is a reflection not only of her family's values but of this turn in the tide for sustainable agriculture.

"It's a whole new world," Peterson said.

It's this interest in sustainable agriculture, organic, and local foods that wiII truly make the difference to family farmers - not the farm organizations that lobby for better prices or lower interest rates, he said.

"I tell you who's going to save the family farm - it's going to be consumers and taxpay- ers," Peterson said. They are who will continue driving consumer demand for local foods.

who lobby for a living, he said. Peterson dreams of a day

when local and regional food markets are the norm, not the exception, where sustainable agriculture trumps conventional practices not only among consumers but also in the government, and where agricultural markets are truly fair to the farmer. These changes will cer- tainly create a different Midwest: What is now something to boast about - how America feeds the world -will be thought of in a different way.

"In Iowa, we only consume 9 percent of the food grown, and we're one of the most fertile places on Earth," Peterson said. "Frankly, it's an embarrassment."

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( GARDEN CO. NEWS I WEDNESDAY WEEKLY

OSHKOSH, NE 6 Circulation = 1384

Cattle Ranching and Ecotourism in the Sandhills A

Center for Rural Affairs hosts what they have done to "A state report shows eco- T ecotourism meeting/dinner make their operation suc- tourism to be an undwel- provided cessful. Bruce and his wife oped resource for Garden

LYONS, PE - The Center Sue Ann have been able to County with great econom- for Rural Affairs will host a bring their two adult chil- ic potential," commented meeting on ecotourism in dren back to live and work Kathie Starkweather from Garden County. Bruce on the janch and assist the Center for Rural Affairs. Switzer and daughter, with the busirless through Starkweather will discuss Sarah (Switzer) Sortum, expanding their operation community and business who have a combined cat- with nature-based activities development opportunities tle ranching and eco- and ecotourism. Some of for tourism related to the tourism business (Calamus the activities their tourism scenery, history and wildlife Outfitters) in Loup County, business includes are bird- of the Garden County area. Nebraska, will share infor- ing, hunting, horseback What: A meeting and mation about their experi- riding, and river rafting to presentation on eco- ences in ecotourism and name a few. I tourism.

w- - --- - --- -

When and Where: ' : Thursday, June 4 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. (Dinner Provided) a t "The Most Unlikely Place" Art

I Gallery/Coffee Shop, Main Street, Lewellen

Several grants are funding @is project. The Center "- for Rural Affairs involvement is funded by the Nebraska based Grassland Foundation and the World Wildlife Fund Northern Great Plains program to work with landowners to develop ecotourism businesses. ,

For more information contact Kathie S t a r k w e a t h e r , kathiest3cfia.o-rg, (402) 438-8496.

For more information I visit: www.cfra.org. - - -

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WEDNESDAY WEEKLY

I CHADRON, NE Circulation = 2673

I 05/27/2009

! IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII e P - - -- --

Add value with producer grant. By Elisha Greeley Smith, Center for Rural Affairs

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for $18 million in Value Added Producer Grants to develop value- added agricultural business ventures. July 6,2009 is the deadlint: to apply for a Val ue-Added Producer Grant. Farmers, ranchers or groups of producers with an idea that would add value to products raised on their Farms or ranches are eligible. A special reserve is set aside for beginning and socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers. The

I ! deadline to apply for

reserved funds is June 27. These grants are popular

and competitive and the application process can be c6mplicate& but fortunately, help is available. The Center for Rural Affairs is operating a Farm Bill Helpline where producers can call in and receive assistance in accessing programs like the Value Added Producer Grant.

increasing the value of a raw agricultural product between harvest and sale of thc final product typically includes processing in some way such as cleaning, cutting, labeling, smoking. drying, freezing, or pre-

serving. Marketing unique and high quality food products also adds value to farm and ranch products. Many consumers a r e willing to pay a prcmiurn for locally produced, high-quality, natural or- organic farm-raised

Thruugli our hclpline you will speak to a real person who is knowledgeable about the program. Producers can call 402- 687-2100 and ask for the Far111 Bill Helpline.

For tilore information on these grants and how to apply contact Mike Heavrin, [email protected], 402-687-21 03 ext. 1008. !

U NIVERSAL Information Serv~ces, Inc

TIMES-REPUBLICAN THURSDAY WEEKLY HAYES CENTER, NE Circulation = 748

05/28/2009

Add Value With A Value Added Producer Grant By Elisha Greeley Smith, Center for Rural Affairs

The United States Depart- ment of Agriculture is accepting applications for $18 million in Value Added Producer Grants to develop value-added agricultural business ventures. July 6, 2009 is the deadline to apply for aValue-Added Producer Grant. Farmers, ranchers or groups

of producers with an idea that would add value to products raised on their farms or ranches are eligible. A special re- *erne is set aside for beginning and socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers. The deadline to apply for reserved funds is June 22.

These grants are popular and competitive and the appli-

*

cation process can be complicated, but fortunately, help is available. The Center for Rural Affairs is operating a Farm Rill Helpline where producers can call in and receive assistance in accessing programs like the Value Added Producer Grant.

Increasing the value of a raw agricultural product between harvest and sale of the final product typically includes processing in some way such as cleaning, cutting, labeling, smoking, drying, freezing, or preserving. Marketing unique and high quality food products also adds value to farm and ranch products. Many consumers are willing to pay a premium for locally produced, high-quality, natural or organic farm-raised products.

Through our helpline you will speak to a real person who is knowledgeable about the program. Producers can call 402-687-2 100 and ask for the Farm Bill Helpline.

For more information on these grants and how to apply contact Mike Heavrin, mikeh@ cfra.org, 402-687-2 103 ext. 1008, or visit: http://www. rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/coops 1 vadg. htm

For a proposal template: http://fpc.unl.edu/Business/ grmt.shtml#template

For more information: www. cfra.org

. -

u NIVERSAL lnformatlon Services. I nc

CHIEFTAIN THURSDAY WEEKLY TECUMSEH, NE Circulation = 1824

05/28/2009

Rural mental health ovep looked, and disregarded Report examines the Rural Affairs reports examining

A

crucial health care issues in rural deficiencies of America. Previous reports can the mental health care be found on the front page of the

1 0- - - -- - system in rural America Center's website (www.cfra.org). . -

4 - - A full copy of the report can be . fiofi~, NE - Today, as viewed and downloaded at http://

-Mental Health Awareness Month files.cfra.org/pdf/Mental-Health- is drawing to a close, the Center for Rural Affairs released a report entitled, Mental Health: Over- looked and Disregarded in Rural America. The report examines what one author, Kim Preston, calls, "the alarming deficiencies of the mental health care system in rural America."

According to Preston, Rural Research Assistant for the Center for Rural Affairs, rural Americans remain undeserved in terms of mental health care providers and health insurance coverage for mental health services despite the fact rural Americans sufferjust as much from mental illness.

"This report further demonstrates that rural America's economic dependence on small business and self-employment calls for health care reform that includes an affordable, meaningful public health insurance option. And that any such reform should also ensure that all Americans, rural and urban, have reasonable access to quality mental health care," Preston added.

The Center for Rural Affairs, in collaboration with Dr. Dianne Travers Gustafson, Creighton Uni- versity, Omaha, Nebraska, recently undertook the task of evaluating rural Americans access to crucial mental health care services. This is the fourth in a series of Center for -. - --

Overlooked-and-Disregarded-in- Rural-America.pdf

Crucial Findings: *Depression - Major depression

rates in some rural areas significantly exceed those in urban areas. Teens and older adults in rural areas have significantly higher suicide rates than their urban counterparts.

*Stress - Stress is associated with increased mental health disorders and rural people experience stress with cyclical farm crises, natural disasters and social isolation.

*Barriers of Availability - More than 85 percent of the 1,669 federally designated mental health professional shortage areas are rural. ;

*Lack of Accessibility - Only in rural America did the National Ad- visory Committee on Rural Health (1 993) find entire counties with no practicing psychiatrists, psychologists, or social workers.

-Social Stigma -The social stigma attached to mental health problems in combination with a general lack of anonymity in many small communities leads some people to forego treatment.

*Lack of affordable, meaningful health insurance coverage - Rural Americans are less likejy than urban Americans to have health insurance that covers mental or behavioral health services.

/ INDEX WEDNESDAY WEEKL y I MITCHELL, NE

Circulation = 893

- - - Page Three - The INDEX, Wednesday, May 27,2&9--- --

Center for Rural Affairs This Center for Rural Affairs

Nebraska Legislative Update covers changes to bills of interest to rural Nebraska. If you have questions about a particular bjll, contact Jon Bailey, Director of Rural Research and Analy- sis at the Center for Rural Affairs at [email protected]. Bills Update: Bills included below are some of the ones the Center for Rural Affairs is actively working on or track- ing. Any bill designated a Priority Bill will also have a "P" attached to its number (for example, LB 123P). The chief sponsor of the bill is listed in parentheses. The words Support or Oppose after a bill description indicate where the Center for Rural Affairs has taken a position on the bill. If neither word is indicated, the Center has not taken a position at this time. Agriculture: LB 56P (Fischer) - Changes to the Livestock Waste Man- agement Act. On May 13 the bill was signed into law by the Governor. Op- pose. LB 130 (Dubas) - Creates the Farm to School Program Task Force. Awaiiing action by the Agriculture Comnlirlee. Support. LB 263 (Rogert) - Preemption of local law for regulation of seed, fertilizer and other items. On May 18 the bill was approved on Final Reading by a 444 vote (Senators Dierks, Dubas, Haar and Sullivan voting "Non)"). Awaiting action by the Governor Oppose. .LB 447 fschilz) - Adjusts the net worth amount in the definition of beginning farmer or livestock producer for the Beginning Farmer Tax Credit. Awaiting action on Final Reading. LB 593 (Dierks) - Restricts ownership of farm or ranch operations similar to Initiative 300. Awaiting action by the Agriculture Committee. Support. LB 646P (Christensen) - The Livestock Growth Act. Establishes a loan fund to assist Livestock Friendly Counties increase livestock production by reducing appropriations to current value-added and economic development grant programs. Awaiting action by the Agriculture Committee. Oppose Rural Development: LB 153 (Lautenbaugh) - The Tourism Liability Act. Limits the liability of property owners who make land available for recreational uses except for inten- tional conduct or gross negligence. Awaiting action by the Judiciary Com- mittee. LB 182 (Pankonin) - Appropri- ates $125,000 in the next two fiscal

years to the Department of Economic Development for Heritage Nebraska1 Main Street Program. Awaiting action by the Appropriations Committee. The budget bill contains an appropriation of $100,000 per year for the Main Street Program. LB 297 (Dubas) - Creates the Beginning Farmer and Small Business Linked Deposit Loan Act. Deposits made by the State Treasurer in banks would be available as loan guarantees to beginning farmers and small businesses. Awaiting action on General File. LB 298 (Harms) - Appropriates funds to the Department of Economic Develop ment Community and Rural Develop- ment Program for marketing assistance for small businesses and entrepreneurs. Awaiting action by the Ap- propriations Committee. LB 419 (Hadley) - Eliminates the limit of the Microenterprise Tax Credit. Awaiting action by the Revenue Committee. Support. LB 531 (Sullivan) - Changes the amount of net worth in the definition of "inning farmer" in the Micro- enterprise Tax Credit to $350,000 (currently $200,000). Awaiting action on Final Reading. LB 633P (Mello) - Creates the Neighborhood Develop ment Act, a $125,000 annual grant program for community development projects i n neighborhoods and small communities. Awaiting action on Final Reading. 657(H&ms) --Mpdifies _ the Microenterprise Development Act by eliminating the Department of Economic Development as the coordi- nating office of microenterprise development in favor a private, nonprofit organization. Also eliminates refer- ence to the Microenterprise Develop- ment Cash Fund. Awaiting action on General File. Education: LB 215 (Fischer) - Cre- ates the School Finance Review Com- mittee. Awaiting action by the Educa- tion Committee. Taxes: LB 248 (Dubas) - Increases the state Earned Income Tax Credit to 13% of federal Earned Income Tax Credit (from 10%); paid eliminating and changing the status of child care credits. Awaiting action by the Reve- nue Committee. LB 520 (Hadley) - Creates a refundable income tax credit for perpetual conservation ease- ments. Awaiting action by the Reve- nue Committee.

A complete listing may -be found at www.dra.org.

-

UNIVERSAL lnformat~on SeNlCes, InC

(402) 342-31 78 a

INDEX I WEDNESDAY WEEKLY

MITCHELL, NE Cnculabon= 893

0512712009

4 i,- ~~II\IHIIllllIllIIIIIlIIIRIIIH~ -- -- - - - _- - Page Five - The INDEX, Wednesday, May 27,2009

- - I * I: ?

Financial sewices CHAMPION of the YEAR Jerry ~ e r w i l l i ~ e r is a busi- REAP'S Basic Business Man- entrepreneurs in the area to help

ness specialist for the Rural En- agement Training course that find a manager or to find a suit- terprise Assistance Project includes marketing, customer able buyer for the store. He was (REAP) for the Panhandle of relations, financial management, very committed to keeping this Nebraska and has been em- promotion and advertising and business operating in Mitchell. ployed by REAP for the past 8 goal setting. As part of his em- He has volunteered to work with years. As a business specialist, ployment, he is an expert on the the Chamber on special projects he provides one-on-one technical Quick Books financial and ac- that affect small businesses and assistance consulting on cash counting software, prepares loan their owners. flow and Jerry has served on budge t ing , the Panhandle loan packag- Area Develop- ing, and ment District business plan loan committee preparation. since it was REAP and formed in 2004. the Women's PADD created a B u s i n e s s loan fund to Center are serve the I I programs of counties in the the Center Panhandle with for Rural micro lending A f f a i r s . gap financing. H e a d q u a r - He was asked to tered in Ly- join for his ons, Ne- - knowledge of b r a s k a , reviewing finan- REAP was Left to right, Barb Foster, Lead Business cial statements

established Development Specialist for the US Small Business a,d lending prac- in Nebraska Administration; Jerry Terwilliger, Panhandle tices from when in 1990 as a Business Specialist (REAP) and lngrid Battershell, he was associated private, non- Director of Nebraska Business Development Center with First Na- profit Organi- in Scottsbluff present Jerry with his award. tional Bank. zation work- Jerry is very i n g - t o committedto the strengthen small businesses and packages for REAP andother loan process'and feels "that the rural communities through ac- financing options, and works micro loans offered through tion oriented programs address- with clients prior to and after PADD be used to help small ing social, economic and envi- they start a new business. He businesses but not increase their ronmental issues. feels his banking experience debt load when there is no ca-

Jerry goes above and be- enables him to "sort out the real- pacity to repay the loan". He yond his job description in pro- ity from the hype" in working thoroughly reviews each applica- viding services to a client. He with start-up businesses. tion and asks questions of the has spent hours assisting a client In addition, Jerry is in- applicant prior to the loan com- with their accounting records so volved in niany community ac- mittee meeting. that the client could see how tivities that are not Dart of his The Nebraska Business their business was actually per- forming. He has trained clients on how to use their Quick Books software. Jerry knows what is going on in the small business community and is always willing to step up and offer his services and knowledge to keep a small business viable and operating.

Jerry has used his life's experience in his position as Business Specialist with the Rural Enterprise Assistance Pro- ject (REAP). Jerry teaches

employment. Jerry is a member of the Mitchell Chamber of Commerce. During 2007, he worked with the community in trying to retain a local grocery store. This store had lost its manager and was in danger of closing. Jerry stepped up to the plate and offered his services in working to find a way to keep the store open. This grocery was the only grocery located in Mitchell and is an essential service. He used his knowledge of potential

Development Center in Scotts- -

bluff nominated Jerry for this ; award. In all instances, the . .

NBDC director found Jerry to be very professional, knowledgeable and truly caring about the clients. He uses his career experience and his community involvement to further the cause . of entrepreneurship. It was an .': honor to nominate him for the Financial Services Champion Award. . .

i

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NEWS

ORCHARD, NE Circulation = 654

L i -

i Add Value With A Value Added Producer Grant By Elisha Greeley Smith, &

- &[email protected], Center ,fi,r. Rural Affairs The United States De- partmellt o f Agriculture is accepting applications for $18 million in Value Added Producer Grants to devciop value-added agricultural business ventures. July 6, 3009 is the deadline to apply for a Value- Added Producer Grant. Fanners. ranchers or groups o f producers with an idea that would add value to products raised on their farms or r~nches are eligible. A special reserve is set aside for beginning and socially disadvantaged farmers atid ranchers. The deadline to apply for reserved funds is June 22.

These grants are popular and competitive and the application

5 - h process can be complicated, but ask for the Farm Bil l Helpline. fortunately, help is available. The ~~r more information on these Center for Rurgl Afcairs i s operat- grants and how to apply contact . . - ing a Farm Bi l l tlelpline where producers can call in and receive Mike Heavrin, mikeh@cfraLo_rg, assistanct' in accessing programs 402-687-2103 ext. 1008, or vis-

like the Value Added Producer it: htt~:l/www.rurdev.us&.gov~ls! P. ..,, ., + coops/v.adg.~t~~ L I L U I I I

Increasing cultural product be- For a proposal template: tween harvest and sale o f the final ~ : l l f p c ~ n l . ~ d u I B u _ s _ i n e ~ s ~ r _ a n t . s h

tml#templa& product typically includes - -- processing in some way such as -

cleaning, cutting, labeling. smoking, drying, free~ing, or preserving. Marketing unique and high quality Food products also adds value to Ejrm and ranch products. Many consumer\ are wil l ing to pay a premium for locally produced, high-quality. natural or organic farm-raised products.

Through our helpline you wi l l speak to a'real person who is knowledgeable about the program. Pro- ducers can call 402-687-2100 and

Repub Zican-Leader E b n : Thursday, PRESTON, June MN 18,2009

Circulation (DMA): 1,600 (153) Type (Frequency): Newspapei (W) Page: 8 Keyword: Center For Rural Affaiairs

Rural healthcare: A different animal

With u storm brewing over Woshinglon, D.C.. as President Obama begins his quest to reform health carc in the United States. - *

those of us in ~ n l areas are wor- ried our nezds will be trampled by the hordes of special interests and the desires of urban politicians, insurance companies, &d business in general, when the debate begins.

For rural Americans the danger is that. because of our unique way of life. so different in many significant ways from that of our urban cousins, major decisions made about health care reform will simply leave us flying under the radar, US we hive for so many years on everything else. This time, it's too important For us to stand by and let that hapen.

The Cenkr Tor Rural Affairs in Lyons. Neb.. has generated what it calls 'The Top 10 Rural Issues for Health Care Reform." Here's hoping piiticians get a gander of it. Centei officials

have listed what seems so obvious to us, but seems so lost on "experts" back enst (or out west): We are an economy based on self- r~nployrnent and small business. One sire fits all, well, doesn't fit us. Wc rcccivc hcalth carc deliv-

ery in several different ways and urc almost totally reliant on visit- ing pliysicians and our own personal transportation. (Even the VA. a naticnal programs and cobi- net-level department, fails to undrrstarrd how difficult it might be for patients to travel 25 or more tililes Tnr health care services. That has been my experience, any- Way.)

Also noted by the Centcr is this fact about rural patients: Our population is older. poorer. and has less employer-based health insur- ancc coverage, and a larger sep ment is dependent upon public health care programs, such as State Children's Health Insurance Progrums (SCHIP), Medicare or Medicaid. The number of rural residents (non-elderly) covered by public plans has increased by 11early 122 percent since I 987.

According to Center's statistics. the health care delivery infrastruc- ttlrc in much of rural America is a web of small hospitals, clinics and nurcing homes that arc typically cxpcricncing significant financinl stress. Many rural hospitals have financia! margins too low to svp- port inves~mrnt in better infra- slructurc and more and better nledical equipnient and personnel.

Add to that stress, the problem of health ciue provider and work- force shortages in rural communities and you have a perfect storm brewing. The Center has identified the t'act that early 82 percent of rural counties are classified as Medically Underserved Areas. And. medical profcssion~ls who

aging right along with the population. The median age for physicians is 18, for nurses it is 55!

Regarding aging patterns, rural I areas are experiencing, said the

Center, significant demographic shifts. In 2007, about 15 percent of rural residents were 65 years or older, 25 percent greater than in the nation as a whole.

Rural Americans are sicker and more u-risk as n population that is the rest of the nation. and we have pmr access to preventive care and henllh and wellness resources, as well as a lack of comprehensive mental health services. Those of us closer to a metro area have much better choices in all of these categories, but h e cost wd availability of transportation become significant factors for many of us.

In some areas. there is poor financial support for emergency medical services, often the first line of health care in rural America. and we are having o tough time keeping up with the increasing use of new technology for medical treatment. The cost is simply too great.

The truth of it is that we rural Americans are going to have to raise our voices quite a bit during the upcoming debate of health care issues. Too many interests and companies, not to mention politicians of every stripe. have too much riding on the outcome. We need to be sure our voice is heard, strong and in unison. (To learn more, go to www.cfra.org)

I'll see ya!

do serve these communities are Page 1 of 1

Account 18209C (231 62) MN-2CS

For rsprinh or rbhb, pleas4 mnlact he publlrha

g Thursday, June 18,2009 ! MABEL, MN S g Paae 8

1 ~eyword: Center For Rural Affain 4 .

Rural healthcare: A 1 1? ' different animal

-

I cry in several different ways and aging right along with the popula- 3 Farming are alrnos~ 10ta11~ reliant on visit- tion. The median age for physi-

& your jng physicians and our own per- cians is 48, for nunes i l is 55! sonal transportation. (Even the Rqarding aging patterns, rural

Freedom VA. a national pnrgnms and cabi- areas m experiencing. said the net-level department. h i l s Lo Center, significant demographic understand how diftlcult it might shifts. In 2007, about IS percent he for patients to travel 25 or more of rural residents were 6.5 years or ~ililes for health care services. older. 25 percent greater than in TIut has been my experience, any- the nation as a whole.

With a storm brewing over Washington, D.C.. as President Obama begins his quest to reform health care in the United States, those of us in rural areas are wor- ried our needs will he trampled by the hordes of special interests anti the desires of urban politicians, insurance companies. and business in general, when the debate bcpins.

For rural Anlericans the danger i~ that, because of our unique way of life, so different in many significant ways Tro~n that of our urban cousins, major decisions made about health cm reform will simply 1ear.e us flying under the ndru, as we have for so many years on everything else. This time, it's too important for us to stand by and let that happen.

- The . . r for = in

Lyons,%. has g=t it strlictUre and more and better calls "The T~~ 10 nural Issues for n~edical equip~neni and personnel. Health Care Refom." Here's hop Add to that rtress, the problem ing politicians gc.1 ;I gander of it. of health care provider and work-

Center far Rural Affairs officials have listed whu~ reems so obvious to us , but sremo so lost on "cxpcrts" back cast lor out west): We are an econorny based on self- employment and small business. One size fits all. well. doesn't fit us. We receive health care deliv-

way. 1 Also noted by the Center is this

fact about rural patients: Our population is older, poorer. and has less employer-based health insurance coverage, and a larger segment is Jrpcndcnt upon puhlic healrh care programu, such as State Children's Hcalth Insurance Programs (SCHIP). Medicare or Medicaid. The number of rural residents (non-elderly) covered by public plans has increased by neitriy 122 percent since 1987.

According to Center's statistics, the health care deliverv inftastruc- lure in much of rural America is a web of small hospitals, clinics and nursing homes that are typically experiencing significant financial stress. Many rural hospitals have linancial margins-two low to sup-. port investment in hitter infrn-

force shortages in rural communities and you have a perfect storm brewing. The Center has identified the fact that cilrly 82 percent of rurtll counties are classified as hirdically Underserved Areas. And, mcdical professionals who do serve these con~n~unitics are

Rural Americans are sicker and more at-risk as a population that is the rest of the nation, and we have poor access to preventive care and health and wellness resources. as well as 3 lack of comprehensive mental health services. Those of us closer to a metro area have much better choices in 311 of these categories, but the cost and availability of transportation become significant factors for many of us.

In some areas. there is poor financial support for emergency medical services. often the first line of health care in rural America, and we are having a tough time keeping up with thr increasing use of new technology for medical treatment. The cost is simply too great.

The- truth:@$ i t is that we rura! .- -. ; , . . Americans i r e going lo hate to F- ' . .

raise our voices quite a bit during thc upcoming dcbate of hcalrh care issues. Too many interests and companies, not to mention me politicians of every stripe, have &2ca.k

too much rid,ng on the 8?!%! We need to be sure our voice is m?! heard. strong m d in unison. (To ,#g l e m more, go to www.cfrii.org)

I'll see ya! . .

Page I of 1

4 O 2009 NEWS RECORD

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MN-191

For nprlnb or whb, please conha ma pub(lshm

I' NEWS

ALBION. Nebraska

c C W $ E 2009\ All Ri& Reamed

Date: Wednesday, June 10,2009 . ,- - Frequency: WEEKLY Circulation: 3200 Clip Size: 28.51 sq. inches Ad Rate: $3.6 Pagelsection: 4

, .

Overlooked, disregarded Dear Editor:

Today, as National Mental Health Awareness Month is drawing to a close, the Center for Rural Affairs released a report entitled, Mental Health: Overlooked and Disregarded in Rural America. The report examines what one author, Kim Preston, calls, "the alarming deficiencies of the mental health care system in rural America."

According to Preston. Rural Research Assistant for the Center &g Rural Affairs, rural Ameri- cans remain undeserved in terms of mental health care providers and health insurance coverage for mental health services despite the fact rural Americans suffer just as much from mental illness.

"This report further demonstrates that rural America's economic dependence on small business and self-employment calls for health care reform that includes an affordable, meaningful public health insurance option. And that any such reform should also ensure that- all Americans, rural and urban, have reasonable access to quality mental health care,'' Preston added.

The -, in collaboration with Dr. Dianne Travers Gustafson. Creighton University. Omaha. Nebraska, recently undertook the task of evaluating rum1 Americans access to crucial mental health care services. This is the fourth in a series of Center for Rural Affairs reports examining crucial health care issues in rural America. Pre- vious reports can he found on the

front page of the Center's website (www.cfra.org).

A full copy of the report can be viewed and downloaded at http:// files.cfra.org/pdf/Mental-Health- Overlooked-and-Disregarded-in- Rural-America.pdf

Crucial Findings Depression - Major depression

rates in some rural areas significantly exceed those in urban areas. Teens and older adults in rural areas have significantly higher suicide rates than their urban counterparts.

Stress -Stress is associated with increased mental health disorders and rural people experience stress with cyclical farm crises, natural disasters and social isolation.

Barriers of Availability - More than 85 percent of the 1,669 federally designated mental health professional shortage areas are rural.

Lack of Accessibility - Only in rural America did the National Advisory Committee on Rural Health (1993) find entire counties w-ith no- practicing psychiatrists, psychologists. or social workers.

Social Stigma - The social stigma attached to mental health problems in combination with a general lack of anonymity in many small communities leads somc people to forego treatment.

Lack of affordable, meaningful health insurance coveragc - Rural Americans are less likely than urban Americans to have health insurance that covers mental or behavioral health services.

Elisha Smith. a t e r for Rural Affairs

1

L

Universal Information Services , Inc. http://news.universaI-info.com Page: 111

i Profile: 111 - Center for Rural ALim Recipient: John Crabtree 1

4 -- -

REPUBLICAN Date: Frequency:

PAWNEE, Nebraska Circulation: Clip Size: Ad Rate: Pagelsection:

c C-ght 20091 All Ri& R a s v c d

Thursday, June 11,2009 WEEKLY 1320 55.29 sq. inches $5.7 A I

Elaine's Hair Studio gets Women's Business Center's REAP award The Center for Rural Affairs'

Rural Enterprise Assistance Proaect(REAP) Women's Busi- &enter is pleased to an- nounce that Elaine Mullin is a recipient of a $3,000 award provided by the women & Co.@ Microenterprise Boost Pro- gram. Elaine owns and operates Elaine's Hair Studio in Pawnee City and has built a clientele of over 150 people in the area. She has over 30 years of experience working as a hair stylist.

Elaine is one of three award recipients in Nebraska. Monica Braun, REAP Women's Busi- ness Center Director, said, "Elaine was selected from many eligible REAP clinets and the competition was stiff."

Elaine's first contact with the

Center for Rural Affairs'REAP program was in 2008 when she worked with Janelle Moran, the BEAP Business Specialist in her area, to create a business plan which assisted Elaine in obtain- ing a bank loan for the construction of a new building.

Elaine worked with her niece, Michelle Rapp and husband Bryan Rapp, to build the building on G Street which houses Elaine's Hair Studio and also Michelle's business, Chel's Por- trait Studio. Both businesses are located in the north half of the building and the south half of the building is to be finished so that another business could rent that space. The initial financing was provided through the Paw-

nee City branch of Union Bank and Trust.

Elaine has big plans for the Boost funds, which will help her expand her business to better serve her clients and offer more services.

"I plan to purchase a computer for bookkeeping, a sign for the front of the business building, advertising, more equipment. purchase another retail line to sell, subscriptions for hair styl- ing books, and a cash register to make bookkeeping easier," she said.

Along with the cash award, Elaine will also receive business skills training from thc REAP Women's Business Center to help her with the growth and development of her business.

Universal Information Services , Inc. http://news.universaI-info.com , Profile: 1 11 - Center for Rural Affiirs Recipient: John Crabtree I

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g . . REPUBLICAN Date: Thursday, June 11,2009 Frequency: WEEKLY 1

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2 , Ad Rate: $5.7 4 Pagelsection: A 1 L 9 c Copy@ 1009 \All Rtgtu R s a v c d

I

Car01 A. S~SCO/REPUBLEAN REAP Award - A $3,000 award was presented Wednesday, June 3, to Elaine Mullin of Elaine's Hair Studio in Pawnee City. From the left are, Monica Braun, Women's Business Center Director of the Southeast District; Janelle Moran, REAP Business Specialist; Elaine Mullin; business partner, Michelle Rapp; and Harvey Schneider, AVPIBranch Manager of Union Bank & Trust in Pawnee City.

f

i Universal Information Services , Inc. http://news.universaI-info.com Page: 212 Profile: 111 - Center for Rural AfFain Recipient: John Crabtree

2

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Frequency: WEEKLY ALBION, Nebraska Circulation: 3200

Clip Size: 28.51 sq. inches Ad Rate: $3.6 Pagelsection: 4

' c C-$w 2009\ All Rim Rcssvtd

Overlooked, disregarded Dear Editor:

Today, as National Mental Health Awareness Month is drawing to a close, the Center for Rural Affairs released a report entitled, Mental Health: Overlooked and Disregarded in Rural America. The report examines what one author, Kim Preston, calls. "the alarming deficiencies of the mental health care system in rural America."

According to Preston, Rural Research Assistant for the Center j g g Rural Affairs, rural Ameri- cans remain undeserved in terms of mental health care providers and health insurance coverage for mental health services despite the fact rural Americans suffer just as much from mental illness.

"This report further demonstrates that rural America's economic dependence on small business and self-employment calls for health care reform that includes an affordable, meaningful public health insurance option. And that any such reform should also ensure that. all Americans, rural and urban. have reasonable access to quality mental health care," Preston added.

The Center for Rural Affairs, in collaboration with Dr. Dianne Travers Gustafson, Creighton University. Omaha, Nebraska, recently undertook the task of evaluating rural Americans access to crucial mental health care services. This is the fourth in a series of Center for Rural Affaits reports examining crucial health care issues in rural America. Pre- vious reports can he found on the

front page of the Center's website (www.cfra.org).

A full copy of the report can be viewed and downloaded at http:/l files.cfra.orglpdf/Mental-Health- Overlooked-and-Disregarded-in- Rural-America.pdf

Crucial Findings Depression - Major depression

rates in some rural areas significantly exceed those in urban areas. Teens and older adults in rural areas have significantly higher suicide rates than their urban counterparts.

Stress - Stress is associated with increased mental health disorders and rural people experience stress with cyclical farm crises, natural disasters and social isolation.

Barriers of Availability - More than 85 percent of the 1,669 federally designated mental health professional shortage areas are rural.

Lack of Accessibility - Only in rural America did the National Advisory Committee on Rural Health (1993) find entire counties w-ith no practicing psychiatrists, psychologists, or social workers.

Social Stigma - The social stigmk attached to mental health problems in combination with a general lack of anonymity in many small communities leads somc people to forego treatment.

Lack of affordable, meaningful health insurance coveragc - Rurnl Americans are less likely than urban Americans to have health insurance that covers mental or behavioral health services.

Elisha Smith, Center for Rural Affairs

3

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:

Thursday. June 18,2009 MABEL, MN

Page: 8 Keyword: Center For Rural Affairs

Rural healthcare: A different animal

With a storrli brewing over Washington. D.C., as President Obama begins his quest to reform healt11 care in the United States, those of us in rural areas are wor- ricd our needs will hc trampled by the hordes of special interesls a d the desires of urban politicians, insurance companies, and business in general, when the debate bcpins.

For rural Atnericans the danger is that. because of our unique way of life, so different in many significant ways frorn that of our urban cousins. major decisions made abut heallh care reform will simply leave us flying under the radar, a\ we have for so many years on everything else. This time, it's too important for us to stand by and let that happen.

a

The Center for .. . in Lyons, Neb.. has generated what it cnlls "The Top 10 Rural Issues for Health Care Reform." Herr's hop ing politicians get ;I gander of it.

Center for Rural Affairs officials have lis~ed what seems so obvious to us, but seems sn losf on "cxperts" back cdsl tor out west): We are an economy based on self- employment and small business. One site fits all. well. doesn't fit us, We receive health care deliv-

ery in several different ways and srr almost totally reliant on visir- ing physicians and our own personal transporration. (Even the VA, a national progrims and cabinet-level department. fails to underst~d how difficult it might k for patients to travel25 or more rlliles for health care services. That ha5 been my experience, anyway.)

Also noted by the Center is this fact abut rural patients: Our population is older, poorer. and has less c~nployer-based llevlth insurance coverage, and ;I larger seg- ~nent i s drpcndcnt upon puhllc health care programs, such as State Children's Health Insurance Programs (SCHIP), Medicare or Medicaid. The number of rural re5idmts (non-elderly) covered by public plans has increased by neurly 127 percent since 1987.

According to Center's statistics, the health care delivery infrastructure in much of rural America is a web of small hospitals, clinics and nursing homes that arc typically experiencing significant financial stress. Many rural hospitals have financial margins-tor> low to sup-. port investment in hctttr infrastructure and more and better medical equipment and personnel.

Add to that stress, the problem of health care provider and work- force shortages in rural communities and you have a perfect storm brewing. The Center has identified the fact that early 82 percent of rural counties are classified as Medically Underserved Areas. And. mcdical profcssionals who do serve these conlmunities are

-

aging right along with the population. The median ape for physicians is 48, for nurses i l is 55!

Regarding aging patterns, rural areas are experiencing, said the Center. significant demographic shifts. In 2007, about 15 percent of rural residents were 65 years or older, 25 percent greater than in the nation as a whole.

Rural Americans are sicker and mare at-risk as a population that is the rest of the nation, and we have poor access to preventive care and health and wellness resources. as well as 3 lack of comprehensive mental health services. Those of us closer to a metro area have much better choices in a11 of these categories, but the cast and availability of transportation become significant factors for many of us,

In some arcas. there is poor financial support for emergency medical services. often the first line of health care in rural America. and we are having a tough time keeping up with the increasing use of new technology for medical treatment. The cost is simply too great.

The truth:& it is that we rurd a - .. ,: ' -

Americans irk going to haCe to .,. sm ...- raise our voices quite a bit during thc upcoming debate of hcalth care issues. Too many interests and companies, not to mention politicians of every stripe, have ~ 2 ) ; too much riding on the outcome. We need to be sure our voice is heard, strong and in unison. (To learn more. go to www.cfril.org) I

I'll see ya!

Page 1 of 1

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, - - - - - - - - 1 UNIVERSAL', Information Services, lnc9

(402) 342-31 78 g! HITCHCOCK CO. NEWS WEDNESDAY WEEKLY TRENTON, NE Circulation = 970

Add Value With A Value Added Producer Grant ''f By ENsha Greeley Smith,

, Centerfor Rum1 Affairs The United States Depart-

ment of Agriculture is accepting applications for $18 million in Value Added Producer Grants to develop value-added agricultural business ventures. July 6, 2009 is the deadline to apply for a Value-Added Producer Grant.

1 Farmers, ranchers or groups

of producers with an idea that would add value to products raised on their fanns or ranches are eligible. A special reserve is set aside for beginning and socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers. The deadline to apply for reserved funds is June 22.


cation process can be complicated, but fortunately, help is available. The Center for Rural Affairs is operating a Farm Bill Helpline where producers can call in and receive assistance in accessing programs like the Value Added Producer Grant.

Increasing the value of a raw agricultural product between harvest and sale of the final product typically includes processing in some way such as cleaning, cutting, labeling, smoking, drying, freezing, or preserving. Marketing unique and high quality food prod-

. ,ucts also adds value to farm " and ranch products.. Many 'consumers are willing to pay a' premium for locally produced, high-quality, natural or organic farm-raised products.


For more information on these grants and how to apply contact Mike Heavrin, mike@ cfra.org, 402-687-2 103 ext. 1008, or visit: http://www. rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/coops/ vadg. htm

For a proposal template: http://fpc.unl.edu/Business/ grant.shtml#template


\. NEhL4HA CO. HERALD FRIDAY WEEKLY AUBURN, NE Circulation = 2628

-

Rural Americans' Mental Health i Overlooked and Disregarded

On May 26, the Center for Rural Af- fairs released a paper entitled, "Mental Health: Overlooked and Disregarded in Rural America," which examines the alarming deficiencies of the mental health care system in rural America.

A full copy of the report can be viewed and downloaded at http://files. cfra.org/pdf/Mental-Health-Over- looked-and-Disregarded-in-Rural- America.pdf immediately and will remain.

"Rural mental health issues deserve special attention during May, National Mental Health Month. Although mental illnesses are as common or more common in rural areas, rural people rema7n underserved in terms of mental health care providers and health insurance coverage for mental health

- services," said Julia Hudson of the Center for Rural Affairs.

Hudson reminds us that the rural economy's dependence on small business and self-employment requires an affordable, meaningful public health insurance option - including one that ensures all hard-working Americans

access to mental health care. The Center for Rural Affairs, in

collaboration with Dr. Dianne Trav- ers Gustafson, Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska, recently undertook the task of evaluating rural Americans access to crucial mental health care services. This is the fourth in a series of Center for Rural Affairs reports examining crucial health care issues in rural America. Previous reports can be found on the front page of the Center's website (www.cfra.org).

According to the report, addressing mental health issues is a concern across the country, though the situa- tion may be worse in rural America. Crucial Findings

Depression - Major depression rates in some rural areas significantly exceed those in urban areas. Teens and older adults in rural areas have significantly higher suicide rates than their urban counterparts.

Stress - Stress is associated with increased mental health disorders and rural people experience stress with cyclical farm crises, natural disasters

- and social isolation.

Barriers 01 Availability - More than 85 percent of the 1,669 federally designated mental health professional shortage areas are rural.

Lack of Accessibility - Only in rural America did the National Advisory Committee on Rural Health (1993) find entire counties with no practicing psychiatrists, psychologists, or social workers.

Social Stigma - The social stigma attached to mental health problems in combination with a general lack of anonymity in many small communities leads some people to forego treatment.

Lack of affordable, meaningful health insurance coverage - Rural Americans are less likely than urban Americans to have health insurance that covers mental or behavioral health services.

The full report will be released Tuesday, May 26, 2009, and can be viewed at: http://files.cfra.org/pdfl Mental-Health-Overlooked-and-Dis- regarded-in-Rural-Arnerica.pdf

AILY PRESS & DAKOTAN ATURDAY WEEKLY ANKTON, SD irculation = 82 12

OPINION EDITORIAL

VllSACK SHOULD ACTIVELY ENGAGE ON FARM PAYMENT RULES

A critical decision being made within USDA will determine whether farm programs work to improve the income of farmers and keep family farming alive.

Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack must decide whether to tighten the standard for being considered an active farmer elig~ble for farm payments. The easy path is to keep payments flowing to anyone who invests in a farm and participates in an occasional conference call.

It is an enormous loophole. Mega farms can take ten or twenty times the legal limit on farm payments by recruiting investors in their operation. Each investor counts as a farmer, qualifying the operation for another set of payments up to the limit.

This mockery of law should concern every American earning an income by working the land. If mega farms are allowed to continue evading the limit, they will continue using government payments to bid land away from smaller operations. Whenever there is a decent profit in farming, they'll bid their payment into higher cash rents and squeeze the margins right back down.

It takes guts to do the right thing. If the Secretary closes this loophole, he'll face the wrath of powerful farm and commodity groups and many members of Congress. That makes this a critical time for each of us to let the Secretary know that they don't speak for us. And if he stands up for family farms, rural America will stand with him. You can write Secretary Vilsack at USDA, 1400 Independence Ave., S.W. Washington, DC 20250.

Chuck Hassebrook Center for Rural Affairs

POST Bt NEWS-CHRONICLE WEDNESD.4Y WEEKLY BENKELMAN, NE Circulation = 1 151

:I' Add Value With A Value Added Producer Grant , By Elisha Greeley Smith, Center for Rural Affairs

The United States Depart- ment of Agriculture is accepting applications for $18 million in Value Added Producer Grants to develop {due-added agricultural business ventures. July 6, 2009 is the deadline to apply for a Value-Added Producer Grant. Farmers, ranchers or groups

of producers with an idea that would add value to products raised on their farms or ranches are eligible. A special reserve is set aside for beginning and socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers. The deadline to apply for reserved funds is June 22.


cation process can be complicated, but fortunately, help is , available. The Center for Rural Affairs is operating a Farm Bill Helpline where producers can 1 call in and receive assistance in accessing programs like the Value Added Producer Grant.

Increasing the value of a raw agricultural product between harvest and sale of the - - final product typically includes I j processing in some way such - f - , as cleaning, cutting, labeling,

smoking, drying, freezing, or preserving. Marketing unique and high quality food products also adds value to farm and ranch- pro&cts. Mzihy consumers are willing to pay a premium for locally produced, high-quality, natural or organic farm-raised products.


For more information on these grants and how. to apply contact Mike Heavrin, mikem cfra.org, 402-687-2 103 ext. 1008, or visit: http:/ /www. rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/coops/ vadg. htm

For a proposal template: http:/ / fpc.unl.edu/Business/ grant.shtml#template


:. JOURNAL STAR

LINCOLN, Nebraska

. Date: Friday, June 12,2009 ..... <,"<#,S\- .,

mu-ru- , ., .: :.- : -.&.i>b.w- q??:::

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Circulation: 74795 Clip Size: 32.54 sq. inches

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Invest in rural Nebraska BY support earns a Iiigh return on in- $1.5 nill lion annually.

State sellators d-iould lllake a vcstmcnt. Since 1998, it has hclped Restore grants to rural com- note for coming years to revisit 21,000 existing or prospective munities to therecent level of deep cuts they approved in the businesses in all 93 counties create $500,000 annually and, as de- state's investment in rural and or retain 12,000 jobs. mand grows, raise it to $1.5 mil- small-business development. In all fairness to state legislators, lion. Use a portion of the increase

Restoring the dispro~ortional thev were dealt a difficult halid to enable small towns to contract cuts -

LOCAL VIEW 66 percent reductions ~~ - -

from recent years - should be at the top of the list when

proves. The damage will

be felt across rural wartoow Nebraska and into

our cities. There will be few grants to small towns for small - business development, educating our young to create jobs through entrepreneurship and other initiatives to grow the econ- omv and build a better future in rural communities. Funding for the Building Entrepreneurial Communities grants was slashed to $150,000 statewidc.

Less support will be available for microenterprises with up to five employees, which create most jobs in rural Nebraska. Funding for loans, business training and technical assistance was cut to $500,000 from $1.5 million. Such

wi<h a budget that started out bad and then got worse. ?'he die was cast when the governor proposed these cuts in his budget - arguing that he never intended for earlier increases to be permanent.

Still, as a rural Nebraskan, I can't help fecling we don't gct the salile priority as our city cousins. When Onlaha was in trouble two decades ago, its corporate and civic leaders came to the legisla- ture and won businesses tax cuts that cost $150 niillionevery year. I don't begrudge them asking the state to invest in their future. We all have a stake in each other's prosperity.

But rural Nebraska should re- ceiv'e the sanic consideration: It shouldstart with threemodest but critical investn~ents in the future of rural Nebraska in upcoming leg- islativc sessions.

Kestorc this year's cuts in small -business developmel~t by funding the Microenterprise Part - nership Act at its recent level of

with grant writers to help them use the funds.

Roost tax incentives for rni- crobusinesses and beginning farmers and ranchers by removing the $2 lnillion cap on theNebraska Advantage Microenterprise In- vestment Tax Credit. It provides a one-time 20 percent tax credit on investments up to $50,000. But once $2 million in credits are allo- catedearly in the year, no other small businesses can apply. We don't cap corporate tax breaks, so why cap the incentive for the small businesses that create most new rural jobs? Removing the cap wo~ddccrst $10 mil!ien annually - '/I\ the cost of corporate tax breaks.

Thcse are good investments for all Nebraskans. When rural Ne- braska prospers, we pay more in state taxes and draw less in state services. But these investments are especially critical for rural Nt!hras- ka. Simply put, we must invest in our future if we want to have one. Wchhssehrpak is Exec$ive Director of the Center for Rural Affairs In Lyons.

i

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:: MORRIS SUN TRIBUNE Date: Location: Saturday, June 20,2009 MORRIS, MN

Circulation (DMA): 3,900 (15) Type (Frequency): Newspaper (2WK) Page: 4 Keyword: Center For Rural Affairs

0 Commentary

Help just a phone call away By Elfsha Greeley Smith

Farmers and ranchers across the country who are wondering if there are any farm bill programs available to aid in their operation, assistance is just a phone call or email away

The 2008 Farm Bill included many new programs that farmers and ranchers, especially begin- ners, should consider tap- ping into. The - Rural Farm Bill Helpline offers assistance from a real person who is knowledgeable about these programs and the rules that govern farmers and ranchers access to them.

Assistance is available for the Conservation

Stewardship Program, the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) Organic Initiative, the Value Added Agricultural Market Development Program and a host of Beginning Farmer and Rancher provisions.

In the last several weeks, we have fielded numerous phone calls and emails.

A farmer from Idaho wasn't sure if the EQIP program was for her, so she contacted our Helpline. We answered her questions and provided resources so she understood what parts of the program fit her farm.

Another farmer from Iowa called us wondering if there were any pro-

grams that could help him convert his farm from conventional production to organic. We provided him with information he needed to apply for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program Organic Initiative. He suc- cessfully applied and will receive a contract through the Natural Resources Conservation Service to help him convert to organic production.

You might be eligible too. Call (402) 687-2100 and ask for the Farm Bill Helpline. Or you can send an email to [email protected] or visit www.cfra.org.

Elisha Gmley Smith is with the Center for Rural M a irs in Lyon, Neb.

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Wednesday, June 17,2009 DAILY 41 96 18.76 sq. inches $9.5 A 4

Guest Opinion Help is Just A

Phone Call Away Farmers and ranchers

across the country who are wondering if there are any farm bill programs available to aid in their operation, assistance is just a phone call or email away.

The 2008 Farm Bill included many new programs that farmers and ranchers, especially begin- ners, should consider tap- ping into. The Center for Bural Affairs' Farm Bill Helpline offers assistance from a real person who is knowledgeable about these programs and the rules that govern farmers and ranchers access to them.

Assistance is available for the Conservation Stew- ardship Program, the Envi- ronmental Quality Incen- tives Program (EQIP) Organic Initiative. the Val- ue Added Agricultural Mar- ket Development Program and a host of Beginning Farmer and Rancher provisions.

In the last several weeks, we have fielded numerous phone calls and

emails. A farmer from Idaho

wasn't sure if the EQIP program was for her, so she contacted our Helpline. We answered her questions and provided resources so she understood what parts of the program fit her fann.

Another farmer from Iowa called us wondering if there were any progrhs that could help him convert his farm from conventional production to organic. We provided him with information he needed to apply for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program Organ- ic Initiative. He successful- ly applied and will receive a contract through the Natur- al Resources Conservation Service to help him convert to organic production.

You might be eligible too. Call (402) 687-2100 and ask for the Farm Bill Helpline. Or you can send an email to [email protected] or visit www.cfra.org, or email me, Elisha Greelcy Smith at [email protected].

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-- .- -

I I ! 1 j ' WORLD-HERALD

I OMAHA, Nebraska i 1

Date: Thursday, June 18,2009 Frequency: DAILY Circulation: 192075 Clip Size: 8.22 sq. inches Ad Rate: $154 Pagelsection B 4

THE PUBLIC PULSE Stimrrlrrs fun& pay OiIfor 11V

Despite the recent annoucement of job cuts at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, the University of Nebraska as a whole has been spared the damaging cuts hitting many universities, as noted in a June 15 editorial, "Investments for the future."

U.S. Sen. Ben Nelson, D-Neb., helped se- cure passage of federal stimulus legislation and, within it, funds to enable states to avoid deep cuts in higher education.

Xike the hundreds of millions of stimulus dollars out of the state budget and we could not have enhanced student aid. held the tuition increase to 4 percent and made critical strategic investments important to Nebraska - such as addressing the shortage of nurses.

Chuck Hassebsook, Lyons, Neb. University of Nebraska regent

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Too big to fail or too small to matter? Closing rural auto dealership i s a blare, qpi'llst entrepreneumhip By Ells& Gneley Smlth ler. The dealerships pay for the cars they sell and assume ellshas@cfra org,l&tu far Rural Affairs a lion's share of the risk in the new car sales business.

Firing the automakers' independent sales team is penny What does it mean to a community to lose a business wise and pound foolish.

like a car dealership? Sadly more rural communities are This decision epitomizes how federal policy can coming to grips with the loss of cornerstone, mainstreet adversely impact rural communities by favoring the businesses thanks to the disproportionate closure of needs of industry and underestimating the importance rural dealerships. of entrepreneurship. Congress should address the

Dealerships are owned by independent business disproportionate rural dealership closures. And we people who not only provide a product and service, but should all learn the lesson that, if we invest in them, also own real estate and inventory According to a rural America's entrepreneurs and small businesses can Chicago Sun-Times article, dealerships generate an contribute to America's economic recovery precMly average of $280,000 just in local sales tax. Franchised because they are neither too big to fail nor too small to dealers are a vital part of the local economy and commu- matter. nity They provide jobs, health care benefits and related business opportunities. And they contribute to other community institutions in myriad ways. T h e C I l l t r r r s was established in 1973 8s m u-ed

The closure of these dealerships is a severe economic nonprofit corpontlon under IRS c& 501(c)3. center tor Rvnl blow to rural communities and counterproductive to Malrs was formed by run1 Nehkms concerned about fam#Y C m rural economic development. Closing dealerships will and run1 communltles, md we work to strengthen small buskmur, not significantly aflect the bottom line of GM or Chrys- f d l y Crms and nnches, and run1 communltlrs.

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c C-&t 2009 i All Rlgh(s Rcsavd

Guest Opinion Three Reasons For Teen Obesity

Ever wonder why it's so easy for kids to gain weight instead of lose it? J have and for that ttason, I've come up with a list of three reasons why kids gain weight.

As a teen, it's hard to juggle various activities and still lose the pounds. Hectic schedules contribute to poor food choices.

Second, is modem transportation. According to an article I read. 40 years ago half of all school kids walked or bicycled to school. Today, fewer than 15% do because of traffic safety concerns.

Also, the food we eat. It's easy to eat at fast food chains instead of making something nutritious. Many teens have limited access to healthy food. Some rural towns don't have a grocery store and residents rely on convenience stores for their

food, which offer few if any healthy choices.

For rural teens, finding ways to overcome the challenge of obesity can be tricky. In small communities, numerous things such as gyms and healthp food stores aren't available. As a solution, teens and their parents could raise a garden with fresh produce, or shop at their local Farmer's Mar- ket. Adolescents could .try running in their town, using the gym at their school, or perhaps take the "Walking School Bus." which is like a carpool that gives parents the responsibility to walk the "bus" riders to school. These we a few solutions that we could choose to stay healthy and avoid obesity.

Corttact Alysha Peter- son (it the l k r r t r r t e ~ f o ~ W Aflairs ut [email protected]

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Wednesday, June 17,2009 ELBOW LAKE, MN

Circulation (DMA) 2 520 (15) Type (Frequency) Newspaper (W)

8 Keyword Center For Rural A f f a~n

"ural healthcare: A different animal

Farming and your Freedom

by Peter Graham i

$ I

Withastonn brewingover Washington, D.C. as President Obama bcgiias his quest to reform health care in the United States, thosc ofus in rumlareas

s and the desires -

I I

I 1 ! ; 1 us flying under the radar, as I we have for so many years on

everything else. This time, it's 1 too important for us to stand by I j and let that happen. I 1

The -- I U i n Lyons, Neb. has genet-

! ated what it calls 'The Tog 10

i Rural Issues for Health Care Reform." Here's hoping politi-

1 cians get a gander of it. Center fbr Rural Affairs

officialshave listed what seems 1 so obvious to US, but ~ e e m s so I I lost on "experts" back east (or

out west): We are an economy I based on self-employment

and small business. One size fits all, well, d k n ' t fit us. We receive health care delivery in several different waya and ate almost totally reliant on

visitingphysiciansand our own personal transportation. (Even theVA, anational pmgrnmsand cabinet-level department, fails to understand how difficult it might be for patients to travel 25 or more miles for health cart s&ces.That has bccn my experience, anyway.)

Also noted by the Center is this fact about rural patients: Ourpoplllation is older, poorer. and has less employer-based health insurance coverage. and a larger segment is dependent upon public health care programs, such as State Children's Health Insurance Programs (SCHIP), Medicare or Medicaid. The number of rural residents (non-elderly) covered by public plans has increased by nearly 122 percent since 1987.

According to Center's statistics, the health care delivery infrastructure in much of nual America is a web of small hospitals, clinics and nursing homes that arc typically experiencing significant financial stress. Many rural hospitals have financial margins too low to support investment in better infrastructure and more and better medical equipment and ~ c & O M C ~ . , Add to that stress, the

problem of health care pro- vidcr and workforcc shorttages

in rural communities andl you have a perfect storm brewing. The Center has identified the' fact that early 82 pcrcernt of rural counties are cIassificed as Medically Underserved heas. And, medical professionals w ha do servc these comrmuni- ties are aging right along with thcpopulation. Thcmediamage for physicians is 48, for nurses it is 55!

Regarding aging pattcerns, rural areas are experiencing, said the Center, signifiicant dernogfaphic shifts. In 21007, about 15 percent of nual ~residents wcrc 65 ycm or o\lder. 25 percent greater than in the nation as a whole.

Rural Americansare sicker andmore at-risk as a population that is the rest of the nation, and we have poor access to preventive care and health and wellness resources, as well as a Iack of canlgrehensive mental Iiealth services. Those of us closer to a metro area have much better choices in al! of these categories, but the cost and availability of transportation become significant factors for many of us.

Insomeareas, there is poor financial support foremagency medical semices, often the first l i e of health care in rural America, and we are having a tough timc kecping up with the Page 1 of 2

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increasing use of new technology for medical treatment. The cost is simply too great.

The truth of it is that we rural Americans are going to have to rnise ourvoiccs quitc a bit during the upcoming debate of health care issues. Too many

interests and companies, not to mention politiciark of every stripe, have too much riding on the outcome. We need to be sure our voice is heard, strong and in unison. (To learn more, go to <www.cfio.org>).

I'll scc yn!

Page 2 of 2

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