Nebraska State Council Knights of Columbus
Report of the 109th Convention Held in Kearney, Nebraska April 25, 26, and 27, 2014
STATE DEPUTY Richard W. Lowery (Gail) 5010 S. 48th St Lincoln NE 68516 (402) 488-4667 (402) 432-6748 Home Council: 11001, Lincoln
PAST STATE DEPUTY James N. Haiar (Linda) 20177 C St. Omaha NE 68130 (402) 333-5899 (402) 203-6073 Home Council 10909, Omaha STATE OFFICERS 2013-2014
STATE CHAPLAIN Rev. Troy Schweiger 6111 Morrill Ave Lincoln NE 68507 (402) 466-2752 Home Council 13576, Lincoln
STATE SECRETARY Anthony (Tony) W. Hergott (Laurie) 4008 27th St Columbus NE 68601 (402) 564-9924 Home Council 12086, Columbus
STATE TREASURER Lou Gasper (Carole) 1847 Harrison Ave Lincoln NE 68502 (402) 476-0764 Home Council 11001, Lincoln
STATE ADVOCATE Kenneth J. Leroy (Angela) 2008 Van Buren St Bellevue NE 68005 (402) 250-0627 Home Council 6192, Bellevue
STATE WARDEN Mark J. Borytsky 13005 S. 29th Place Bellevue NE 68005 (402) 212-9612 Home Council 6192, Bellevue
DISTRICT MASTER Donald Ferneding 605 N 25th St Beatrice NE 68310 (402) 223-6660 Home Council 1723, Beatrice
SUPREME REGIONAL PROGRAM DIRECTOR Joseph Pietruszynski (Theresa) 509 Clover St Bolingbrook IL 60440 (773) 640-6054
EXECUTIVE SECRETARY Ray Guggenberger 3101 Washington St, #7 Bellevue NE 68005 (402) 291-5925 Home Council 6192, Bellevue
GENERAL AGENT - EAST Kevin Pfeifer (Cindy) 312 N. Elm St, Ste 115 Grand Island NE 68801 (308) 381-2075 Home Council 9562, Grand Island
GENERAL AGENT – WEST Tony Swanson (Cathy) 105 N Hastings Ave, #212 Hastings NE 68901 (308) 463-2845, Ext 1 Home Council 11823, Hastings
PROGRAM DIRECTORS/CHAIRMEN 2013-2014
Program Director Matt Richardson (Connie) 309 E. Sherman St West Point NE 68788 (402) 372-4980
Church Director Harry Tilley (Mary) 7110 S 32nd St Lincoln NE 68516 (402) 423-6182
Family Directors Shawn and Caryn Scott 1165 W. Oak Ridge Rd Hastings NE 68901 (402) 462-6446
Youth Director Mitchell Lowery 5010 S. 48th St Lincoln NE 68516 (402) 488-4667
Council Director Jimmy D. Pokorny (Terri) 520 S Poplar St North Platte NE 69101
Community Director Larry Peetz (Janet) 1217 Road 119 Sidney NE 69162 (308) 254-4109
Pro-Life Directors Robert & Anita Finger PO Box 451157 Omaha NE 68145 (402) 953-5806
Health Services Directors Don and Terri Hypse 1019 Sherman St Wayne NE 68787 (402) 375-4574
College Director Stephen Lowery 5010 S. 48th St Lincoln NE 68516 (402) 488-4667
Foundation Advisors John J. Smith (Karen) 2089 Memorial Dr. Broken Bow NE 68822 (308) 8782-2194
Norm Vogel (Diane) 11919 N 176th Cir Bennington NE68807 (402) 763-9280
Michael Bailey (Debra) 644 E. Sherman St West Point NE 68788 (402) 372-4978
Vocations Chairman Bernie Manley (Lisa) 814 Via Linda St West Point NE 68788 (402) 380-3404
Squires Co-Chairman Timothy J. Smith (Paulette) 1859 S 126th St Omaha NE 68144-2609 (402) 334-8141
Squires Co-Chairman David Marx (Susan) 13617 Atwood Ave Omaha NE 68144 (402) 758-0023
Father Prior Rev. Scott Courtney 310 Hickory St Steinauer NE 68441 (402) 869-2256)
State Meeting Coordinator Co-Chairman Robert Wolf (Chris) 814 Canal St Scottsbluff NE 69361
State Meeting Coordinator Co-Chairman Paul Hostert (Jan) 89970 Juniper Rd Butte NE 68722 (402) 775-2168
Financial Secretary Co-Chairman Mitchell S. O'Neill 2110 12th Ave Kearney NE 68845-5023 (308) 440-3330
Financial Secretary Co-Chairman Stephen Graff 1709 4th St Fairbury NE 68352 (402) 300-0485
Financial Secretary Co-Chairman Manny Gallardo (Lucy) 5324 S. 61st St Lincoln NE 68516 (402) 423-0782
Athletic Chairman Kevin Ostdiek 1320 W. Ryons St Lincoln NE 68522 (402) 438-2114
Public Relations Chairman Ron H. Goodrich (Duffi) 8818 O'Hern St Omaha NE 68127 (402) 592-0823
Web Site Chairman Aaron M. Goodrich 8818 O’Hern St Omaha NE 68127-2536 (402) 592-0823
Production Specialists Andrew (AJ) Lowery 5010 S. 48th St Lincoln NE 68516 (402) 488-4667
STATE MEMBERSHIP PROGRAMS 2012-2013
Membership Director Don Ferneding, PSD 605 N. 25th St Beatrice NE 68310 (402) 223-6660
Associate Membership Director Donald Hegemann, Sr. (LaDonna) 6115 S. 44th St Lincoln NE 68516 (402) 421-9333
Associate Membership Director Jeffrey Steffen (Amy) 1502 Sheridan Dr. Norfolk NE 68701
Associate Membership Director Ignacio (Iggy) Cervantes (Adela) 6417 Elmhurst Dr. Omaha NE 68157 (402) 933-9674
Associate Membership Director Michael Esselstein (Beth) 130417 County Rd. D Mitchell NE 69357 (308) 623-9985
CEREMONIALS CO-CHAIRMEN 2013-2014 Larry J. Reed, PSD (Judy) 101 Kings Dr. Bellevue NE 68005 (402) 292-2799
James P. Noonen (Zita) 2109 S 10th St Omaha NE 68108 (402) 345-0184
DISTRICT DEPUTIES 2013-2014
District 01 Mark Keller (Sheila) 3416 Cornhusker Dr. Omaha NE 68124 (402) 320-2648
District 02 Thomas Lynch (Jean) 1238 S 138th St Omaha NE 68144-1112 (402) 333-9566
District 03 Woodrow G. Armentrout (Debbie) 9230 Redman Ave Omaha NE 68134-2748 (402) 571-6241
District 04 Ronald G. Morss (Mary) 10109 Gary Cir LaVista NE 68128-8201 (402) 690-4889
District 05 Thomas Medara (Shirrel) 13710 Glengarry Cir Bellevue NE 68123-3759 (402) 502-4989
District 06 Dennis Schmidt (Karen) 20502 Wildwood Cir Springfield NE 68059 (402) 253-2575
District 07 Vacant
District 08 Kenneth Brockman (Phyllis) 4400 S. 80th St, Apt 204 Lincoln NE 68516 (402) 261-5058
District 09 Mark Main 808 Karen Dr. Lincoln NE 68522-1679 (402) 475-0715
District 10 Rod Middaugh (Ann) 163 Morman Trl Lincoln NE 68521 (402) 474-7449
District 11 John C. Dondlinger (Bonnie) 417 Road P Shickley NE 68436-4010 (402) 627-7355
District 12 Terry Wehrs (Lori) 2665 O St Rd Milford NE 68405-8715 (402) 641-4657
District 13 Raymond Mann (Helen) 715 E 8th St Fremont NE 68025-5169 (402) 727-1650
District 14 Allen Koliha, PSD, FSM (Marvine) Box 205 Howells NE 68641 (402) 986-0817
District 15 Alan F. Finn (Deb) 115 W 9th St Wayne NE 68787-1351 (402) 375-4676
District 16 Roman V. Sudbeck (Nancee) PO Box 504 Hartington NE 68739-0504 (402) 254-6350
District 17 Robert E. Hauser (Patricia) 1801 Cedar Ridge Rd Norfolk NE 68701-3132 (402) 379-4292
District 18 Allan J. Kluthe (Doris) 83888 520th Ave Elgin NE 68636 (402) 843-2311
District 19 Larry J. Miksch (Mary) 27746 State Hwy 22 Columbus NE 68601-8577 (402) 246-5455
District 20 Dan Rosno (Jenny) 32543 475th Ave Genoa NE 68640 (402) 993-7760)
District 21 Shawn Kai (Kim) PO Box 307 Cedar Rapids NE 68627 (402) 287-2525
District 22 Donald F. Batenhorst (Helen) 4180 Texas Ave Grand Island NE 68803-1054 (308) 384-6157
District 23 David Wiedel (Becky) 635 Olive Ave Hebron NE 68370 (402) 768-6428
District 24 James L. Dubas (Janey) 4103 Indian Road Kearney NE 68847-2546 (308) 234-3906
District 25 Allan Rolf (Theresa) 351 W Marquette St Spalding NE 68665-3783 (308) 497-2158
District 26 John Mathis 812 N. Collins St Atkinson NE 68713 ((402) 9258-2533
District 27 James W. Arens (Joani) 206 E 6th St Ainsworth NE 68210-1157 (402) 387-1248
District 28 Bruce Mendenhall PO Box 1027 North Platte NE 69103 (308) 530-3100
District 29 Verne (Tony) Anderson (Keri) PO Box 928 Alma NE 68920 (308) 928-2880
District 30 Kent Lorens (Marilyn) 70377 Road 353 Stratton NE 69043 (308) 276-2335
District 31 James Pelster (Henrietta) 2222 Road 109 Sidney NE 69162-3305 (308) 254-4222
District 32 Robert D. Wolf (Chris) 814 Canal St Scottsbluff NE 69361-1536 (308) 635-0555
District 33 Gene Kuhn (Mary Ann) 117905 Marcy Plz Omaha NE 68154 (402) 551-4376
District 34 David Moffatt (Christine) 7935 Hunters Ridge Rd Lincoln NE 68516-3898 (402) 327-2365
District 35 Craig Collins (Karen) 11831 N 178th Cir Bennington NE 68007-5714 (402) 238-2101
District 36 Paul Delgado (Debbie) 4514 Aspen Cir Bellevue NE 68157 (402) 734-3638
District 37 Peter J. Peil (Catherine) PO Box 251 Osceola NE 68651-0251 (402) 747-8904
District 38 Luke Benes (Alice) 2760 Main Rd Valparaiso NE 68065-8619
District 39 Stephen Graff 1709 4th St Fairbury NE 68532-2050 (402) 300-0485
District 40 Vacant
District 41 Kenneth E. Aylor (Joan) 1735 E Church Rd Plattsmouth NE 68048-7631 (402) 298-8485
District 42 Gene F. Cihacek (Linda) 657 18th Road, Lot 2 West Point NE 68788-4516 (402) 372-2734
REPORT OF THE ANNUAL 109th CONVENTION NEBRASKA STATE COUNCIL, KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS HELD IN KEARNEY, NEBRASKA ON THE 25th, 26th & 27th APRIL, 2014
FRIDAY, APRIL 25th, 2014 – INSURANCE AGENCY SOCIAL The Pfeifer and Swanson Agencies hosted a social in the Diamond Room, Younes Conference Center, Kearney, Nebraska. The guests were offered a small pocket knife. The guests were asked to pay $2.00 for each beverage due to liability considerations.
FRIDAY, APRIL 25th, 2014 – AWARDS BANQUET Awards were given to various councils and brother knights across the State at the Annual Knights of Columbus Convention. Emcee for the evening was State Program Director, Matt Richardson. The complete awards listing follows:
Grand Award Division Place Type Council Council Name City Knight/Recipient
Council Given For Supreme Msgr. Maurice Gym Remodel Service 11280 Helmann Lincoln Dennis Clare Fire Hydrant Painting State Service 1497 Phil Sheridan Fremont Gilbert Faltin
Knight of the Year Given For First Place 6192 Columban Bellevue Michael Parente Second Place 938 Columbus Columbus Robert Voboril
Community Given For Supreme Backpack Service 1723 Beatrice Beatrice Robert Ostdiek A.R.C. State Service 1793 Sacred Heart Norfolk James Arens
Leonard Feehan Memorial Given For Community Service Award (Not given in 2014)
Culture of Life Given For Honor Guard for Supreme Msgr. Maurice Baptism Service 11280 Helmann Lincoln Dennis Clare Mass for the Silver Rose State Service 10047 Fr. John V. Wallace Gretna Marty Stednitz
Culture of Life Art Contest Given For Michael O'Brien/Zoey First Place 2272 St. Joseph's West Point Kreikemeier Kevin Simons/Robert Second Place 11600 St. Bernard Omaha Badura Brent Kollars/Emerson Third Place 10909 St. Wenceslaus Omaha Pappas
Culture of Life Essay Contest Given For For 2013 7th Grade Danny Buser 8th Grade Nick Weindel 9th Grade Monica Reeson 10th Grade Stefano Tarantolo 11th Grade Brian Hula
One Rose -One Life Given For Division 1 First Place 14320 St. James Cortland Chris Hytrek Division Pope John Paul II 2 First Place 13956 Council Omaha Dan Leuck Division 3 First Place 1966 Fr. Shine Plattsmouth Patrick O'Shea Division 4 First Place 1159 St. Mary's Grand Island Douglas Maul Division 5 First Place 10909 St. Wenceslaus Omaha Brent Kollars
Division 1 Second Place 7734 St. John Neuman Arapahoe/Cambridge Kelly Evans Division 2 Second Place 9704 St. Mary's Lincoln Timothy Suer Division 3 Second Place 1708 Pope Leo XIII York Dale Schoening Division 4 Second Place 8469 St. Vincent DePaul Seward Gary Petersen Division 5 Second Place 10795 St. Vincent DePaul Omaha William Yosick
Vocations
Support of Vocation Given For St. Margret Mary 15407 Alacoque Lincoln Rodney Flink Fr. Timothy P. Richard Forsstrom 2681 Molony Scottsbluff Jr.
Publicity Division Our Lady of 1 First Place 10815 Guadalupe Omaha Ignacio Cervantes Division 2 First Place 10894 St. Joseph Springfield Alvin Thibault Division 3 First Place 11001 Blessed Sacrament Lincoln Kevin Ostdiek Division Msgr. Maurice 4 First Place 11280 Helmann Lincoln Dennis Clare Division 5 First Place 12086 St. Isidore Columbus Mark Gearhart
Division 1 Second Place 10163 St. Joseph's Benkelman/Stratton Bruce DeSautels Division 2 Second Place 10412 St. Francis Borgia Blair Joseph Lager Division 3 Second Place 1723 Beatrice Beatrice Robert Ostdiek Division 4 Second Place 2388 St. Joseph's Broken Bow Jeffrey Wardyn Division 5 Second Place 6192 Columban Bellevue Daniel Whitehead
Membership
Awards Division St. Margaret Mary 1 First Place 15407 Alacoque Lincoln Rodney Flink Division 2 First Place 7714 John Paul I Superior Matthew Blum Division St. Michael's of 3 First Place 13584 Spalding Spalding Brandon Koch Division St. Charles 4 First Place 14077 Borromeo Omaha Jason Lawrence Division 5 First Place 10047 Fr. John V. Wallace Gretna Marty Stednitz
Division 1 Second Place 7734 St. John Neuman Arapahoe/Cambridge Kelly Evans Division Immaculate 2 Second Place 14470 Conception Church Omaha Bruce Bianchetta Division Creighton 3 Second Place 6268 University Omaha Conan Rainwater Division Msgr. Peter J. 4 Second Place 4979 Kenney Ogallala Paul Ruhlman Division 5 Second Place 2411 St. Boniface Elgin Brent Kalhoff
Division 1 Third Place 15101 St. Pius the Tenth Omaha Gregory Barry Division 2 Third Place 10607 St. Rose of Lima Genoa Dan Rosno Division Father Peter A 3 Third Place 13576 Welling Lincoln Gary Taylor Division 4 Third Place 2388 St. Joseph's Broken Bow Jeffrey Wardyn Division 5 Third Place 10909 St. Wenceslaus Omaha Brent Kollars
Ongoing Projects Given For
Father Foster Golf Fr. William A. Tournament 9518 Foster Ralston Michael D'Ercole Adult Funeral Servers 6192 Columban Bellevue Daniel Whitehead Prison Ministry 1966 Fr. Shine Plattsmouth Patrick O'Shea
Special Projects Given For Pews for Father Peter A Church 13576 Welling Lincoln Gary Taylor Family Medical Expenses 11001 Blessed Sacrament Lincoln Kevin Ostdiek
Ceremonials Award Robert Ostdiek, Gretna PSD
Council of the
Year Division 1 First Place 4434 Little Blue Fairbury Joshua Whitney Division 2 First Place 11600 St. Bernard Omaha Kevin Simons Division 3 First Place 11001 Blessed Sacrament Lincoln Kevin Ostdiek Division Fr. Timothy P. Richard Forsstrom 4 First Place 2681 Molony Scottsbluff Jr. Division 5 First Place 10047 Fr. John V. Wallace Gretna Marty Stednitz
Division 1 Second Place 14320 St. James Cortland Chris Hytrek Division 2 Second Place 7714 John Paul I Superior Matthew Blum Division 3 Second Place 1723 Beatrice Beatrice Robert Ostdiek Division St Charles 4 Second Place 14077 Borromeo Omaha Jason Lawrence Division Msgr. Maurice 5 Second Place 11280 Helmann Lincoln Dennis Clare
Division St. Margaret Mary 1 Third Place 15407 Alacoque Lincoln Rodney Flink Division Our Lady of 2 Third Place 10815 Guadalupe Omaha Ignacio Cervantes Division Father Peter A 3 Third Place 13576 Welling Lincoln Gary Taylor Division 4 Third Place 5455 St. Josaphat's Loup City Jerome Kowalski Division 5 Third Place 12086 St. Isidore Columbus Mark Gearhart
College Collegiate Award Given For Our Lady of Good 13015 Counsel Lincoln Levi Baus
Support of College Given For 11001 Blessed Sacrament Lincoln Kevin Ostdiek
Community Given For Eucharistic 13015 Our Lady of Good Lincoln Levi Baus
Procession Counsel
Church Given For Seminarian Annuity Payments 11001 Blessed Sacrament Lincoln Kevin Ostdiek
Council Given For Community Our Lady of Good "Knights" 13015 Counsel Lincoln Levi Baus
Culture of Life Given For Our Lady of Good Baby Bottle Drive 13015 Counsel Lincoln Levi Baus
Family Given For Catholic Social Our Lady of Good Service Work 13015 Counsel Lincoln Levi Baus
Youth Given For Soup Supper for Msgr. Maurice FOCUS 11280 Helmann Lincoln Dennis Clare
DD of the Year Councils Served First Place Peter Peil Woodrow Second Place Armentrout Third Place Steve Graff
Insurance
Awards Percent Growth 10909 St Wenceslaus Omaha Brent Kollars Net Growth 11879 St. Matthews Bellevue Michael Schaeffer
Field Agent Fraternal Swanson Service Award Agency Bill Buchta Pfeifer Agency Neil Pfeifer
SATURDAY, APRIL 26TH, 2014 – MORNING FORUM This year’s forum and program featured Bishop Fabian W. Bruskewitz, Bishop Emeritus of the Lincoln Diocese. Bishop Bruskewitz discussed the history of the rosary and concluded with leading the rosary to the gathering.
SATURDAY, APRIL 26TH, 2014 – NOON LUNCHEON The noon luncheon was held in the Diamond Room at the Younes Conference Center, Kearney, Nebraska. The “2014 Family of the Year” was awarded to the Keith and Moni Albracht family from Council 12086 in Columbus. The runner up family was awarded to the Robert and Delores Ryan from Council 6192 in Bellevue.
SATURDAY, APRIL 26TH, 2014 – BUSINESS MEETING State Deputy Lowery called to order the State meeting of the 109th Annual Convention in the 3rd Section at 1:30 PM in the Crystal Room at the Younes conference Center. . Deputy Lowery called on State Warden Borytsky, “Are all present in possession of a current membership card?” Warden Borytsky so vouched. Deputy Lowery called on State Chaplain Fr. Troy Schweiger to lead the opening prayer. Deputy Lowery called on District Master, Don Ferneding to lead the “Pledge of Allegiance.” Deputy Haiar called on Warden Borytsky to escort our distinguished visitor from the Supreme Council, Javier Martinez, PSD Texas and Supreme Director, to the dais. All responded with a hearty Nebraska welcome for Supreme guest, we are indeed honored to have you grace us with your presence and we hope your stay here will be an enjoyable and most memorable one. Deputy Lowery introduced State Advocate Kenneth Leroy as the Parliamentarian for this Convention. Advocate Leroy acknowledged the assembly and stated that “Robert’s Rules of Order” would be followed for this meeting. Deputy Lowery called on State Secretary, Anthony Hergott to introduce this year’s recorder and to read any communications received. Secretary Hergott introduced Executive Secretary Raymond Guggenberger, from Bellevue Council 6192
April 1, 2014
Richard W. Lowery State Deputy Nebraska State Council Knights of Columbus
Worthy State Deputy and dear Brother Lowery:
It is with great pleasure that I extend cordial fraternal greetings to you and to all my brother Knights in Nebraska as you gather for your annual state convention. This is an exciting time for the Knights of Columbus and the Church, with our Holy Father Pope Francis exemplifying so publicly each day the principle of Christian charity. During your convention, I hope that you will give special focus to considering new ways to live out the Order’s first principle in solidarity with Pope Francis, especially through the gift of personal time and effort in direct service to our brothers and sisters in need. The powerful example of Pope Francis calls all Catholics to greater acts of service. Therefore, there has never been a better time to ask Catholic men who are not yet Knights to participate in your charitable projects — and once they do, they will be all the more likely to become Knights themselves, growing the Order and our ability to do good for our communities and Church. Please know of my gratitude to you, the state officers, program directors, general and field agents, and all my brother Knights for your efforts for the good of the Order and the Church throughout the year. With prayers for the success of your state convention through the intercession of our holy founder, Venerable Father McGivney, I remain
Fraternally,
Carl A. Anderson Supreme Knight
February 27, 2014
Nebraska State Council Knights of Columbus 5010 S 48th Street Lincoln, NE 68156
Dear Brother Knights,
It is my pleasure to greet you on the occasion of the 2014 State Convention of the Nebraska State Council, Knights of Columbus. Please be assured of my prayers for a successful convention as you gather in Kearney from April 25-27. The Knights of Columbus strengthen Catholic life all across the state of Nebraska in many ways and for that I am grateful. Let us pray for one another. And, in this time of hope and evangelization, let us answer Pope Francis' call to daily renew our personal encounter with Jesus Christ, so that we might all become more dedicated disciples. With best wishes and prayers for blessings on your gathering, I am
Sincerely yours in Christ, Most Reverend George J. Lucas Archbishop of Omaha
March 15, 2014
Mr. Tony Hergott State Secretary, Knights of Columbus 4008 27th Street Lincoln, NE 68601
Dear Tony,
A warm welcome to all the delegates at the 2014 Nebraska Knights of Columbus Convention. I'm sure you'll enjoy renewing your friendships and deepening your dedication to the mission of the Knights. I'm very proud of the work of the Knights of Columbus on the National and State levels; especially their efforts to defend the dignity of life at all stages and ages. Their effort to combat the abortion culture is most appreciated. Developing a culture of life is at the heart of the mission of the Knights. I am very appreciative of the work of the Knights at the parish level. It is inspiring to see the genuine spirit of service by the Knights for all parishioners. Councils do make a difference in parish life. Your generosity is both appreciated and noticed! I ask you to continue your prayers and work for vocations to the ordained priesthood and religious life. Prayer and active recruitment will result in more priests and religious in consecrated life. May you enjoy your well-planned events and activities.
Sincerely, yours in Christ
Most Reverend William J. Dendinger Bishop of Grand Island
April 25, 2014 Friday in the Octave of Easter
Dear State Deputy, and State Delegates to the Annual State Convention of the Knights of Columbus of Nebraska:
My cordial greetings and blessings for the Knights of Columbus Convention in the City of Kearney. Unfortunately, previously scheduled events do not allow for me to be with you in person. However, rest assured that I accompany you in prayer. I look forward to the continuing relationship with the Knights of Columbus of our State of Nebraska, as I continue my episcopal ministry as Bishop of Lincoln.
I am happy to have the honor of being a Fourth Degree Knight since my episcopacy in Colorado. The many works of the Knights of Columbus are to be commended, and especially the undaunted and faithful effort in defense of life, of the unborn, the specially challenged, and now with religious liberty, the rights of conscience for medical and pharmaceutical providers. Of course, the Knights' vocation support and prayers for priests and consecrated religious is deeply appreciated by all faithful Catholics.
May the work and deliberations of this Annual State Convention have an abundance of blessings and promote for all participants the fraternity, unity, charity, and patriotism that always marks any gathering of the Knights of Columbus and their spouses. With my promise of prayer and wish for the happiness here and hereafter for those at the convention, I remain
Sincerely yours in Christ
The Most Rev. James D. Conley Bishop of Lincoln
Chancery • Post Office Box 80328 • Lincoln, Nebraska 68501-0328 Telephone: (402) 488-0921 • Fax: (402) 488-3569 • www.dioceseoflincoln.org
ARCHDIOCESE of OMAHA OFFICE Of THE ARCHBISHOP EMERITUS
Supported by the Annual Appeal 402.5583100
402.558.3026 (FAN ) www.archomalta.urg
April 9, 2014
Nebraska State Council Knights of Columbus 5010 S 48th Street Lincoln, NE 68156
Nebraska Knights of Columbus Convention April 2014
To my fellow Knights of Columbus and your Ladies,
I send you greetings on the occasion of the 109th annual state convention of the Knights of Columbus.
The many years that I have served in the Archdiocese of Omaha, the Knights of Columbus have proven to be a strong lay organization in the three dioceses of the state, and a positive voice for the Church in Nebraska.
I am so grateful to all Knights in Nebraska, past and present, and to your Ladies for the important role you have played in strengthening Catholic life in our state. Your continued ministry in our midst will be much appreciated by the bishops and priests and deacons of Nebraska.
I am sincerely yours in the Lord.
Most Reverend Elden Francis Curtiss Archbishop Emeritus of Omaha
DIOCESE OF LINCOLN OFFICE OF THE BISHOP EMERITUS
March 2014
Dear Brother Knights of Columbus,
It is a joy to greet you this year for the Nebraska State Convention of our Order. This greeting also contains a blessing and a prayer for all of those at the Convention, as well as for all Brother Knights throughout our State of Nebraska and their loved ones. As the Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Lincoln, I continue to be deeply moved by the generosity of the Knights of Columbus in the many ways you touch the lives of all of us, through the various works in which the Order is engaged. It is difficult to imagine our State of Nebraska without the efforts of the Order which has brought about such wonderful aspects of the State. The splendid security by the Knights' wonderful insurance system; the vigorous, unrelenting, and undaunted work for the causes of life, particularly for the unborn; the deep concern and assistance provided to the physically and mentally handicapped; the splendid promotion of the values of Catholic family life; and most certainly, the great support for vocations to the priesthood and religious life, and these accompanied by a vigorous and positive loyalty to our Holy Father and to the teaching authority of the Church. These continue to give an edifying perspective for the entire State and even far beyond our State boundaries.
The great values of the Knights of Columbus which shine so beautifully in the midst of a culture of death and nihilism, the values of charity and unity, fraternity and patriotism, provide a glorious light reflecting Jesus Christ Himself.
With my gratitude for the Knights of Columbus, I want to assure all the Knights and their families of my prayers, good wishes, and constant blessing for their works in the past and the great promises that the future holds for our Order.
Sincerely yours in Christ Jesus,
The Most Reverend Fabian W. Bruskewitz Bishop Emeritus of Lincoln
Secretary Hergott continued, as a point of order for this convention, any council making a motion, or seconding a motion will announce loudly the number or name of your council. The Chair shall repeat the number for the recorder. Secretary Hergott we will have a roll call and election of state officers this afternoon. We will also have a roll call and voting on the resolutions and election of delegates to our Supreme Convention on Sunday. Delegates must be present during both sessions to receive their expense checks. Secretary Hergott called on Deputy Lowery for his annual report.
REPORT OF THE STATE DEPUTY Worthy State Chaplain Father Troy Schweiger, Worthy Supreme Board of Director member Javier Martinez, fellow State Officers, District Deputies, Directors, Chairmen, delegates and members of the Knights of Columbus assembled here in Kearney, Nebraska for our annual state convention on this the 26th day of April, 2014. It has been a privilege and honor to serve as your State Deputy for the past year. I have been lucky enough to travel to many parts of the state and make many new friends and renew many old acquaintances. It is truly gratifying to receive so many invitations and to see all the wonderful activities councils throughout the state are involved in. While it is impossible for me to make each event I have tried to make as many as possible and have assigned representatives to attend many other events. I was truly blessed to attend three 100 year celebrations during the past year, 1708 York, 1723 Beatrice and 1717 David City. I also enjoyed participating in the 4th of July parade in Ralston and the Labor Day parade in Schuyler. To our State Chaplain, Father Troy Schweiger, I want to thank you for your guidance, your friendship and your leadership. You helped to establish our goals and to implement the first of our Leadership Seminars. You have made this year an amazing success so far. Your spirituality and love of the Lord have truly been an inspiration to all of us. A special thank you to District Deputy & Co-Convention Chairman Bob Wolf and Co-Convention Chairman Paul Hostert for their extra work in putting this convention together. To my Brother State Officers, I want to thank you for your friendship, your dedication and your support. Your willingness to travel and to put in extra hours has made my job that much easier. Your expertise, support and friendship mean more to me that words will ever be able to express. To State Executive Secretary Ray Guggenberger, thank you for your organization, your dedication, your tenacity, and most of all for your friendship. Finally to State Program Director Matt Richardson (and Connie) and State Membership Director Past State Deputy Don Ferneding, words cannot express my thanks for all that you do. Your countless hours making calls, sending emails, answering my texts and putting up with me are greatly appreciated.
Supreme Meetings My first meeting as State Deputy was the State Deputy Organizational meeting held in New Haven, Connecticut the weekend of June 5-9, 2013. I met many of my fellow State Deputies as well as several of the Supreme Officers and Directors. I also met with Joe Pietruszynski our new Membership and Program Consultant. The installation Mass was held at St. Mary’s Church and afterward we were treated to a traditional pancake breakfast in the basement where our Order started. I was also able to tour the Supreme Office as well as the Supreme Museum. On Sunday I was privileged to be selected as one of the State Deputies that escorted the first class relic of Pope St. John Paul II into the closing Mass. What an amazing honor and something that I will never forget. Later in June, State Secretary Tony Hergott, State Program Director Matt Richardson and State Membership Director Don Ferneding attended a training session in Dallas, Texas. The Supreme Convention was held in San Antonio, Texas the week of August 5-7, 2013. Our delegation represented Nebraska well and I had the honor to place into nomination Past State Deputy Michael Conrad as a member of the Board of Directors. The mid-year meeting for State Deputies was held in Quebec City, Quebec the week of November 6- 10, 2013. We attended small group sessions dedicated to membership and program success. We attended Mass at Notre Dame de Quebec with then Archbishop and now Cardinal Lacroix opening the jubilee year for the beginning of the 350th anniversary celebration of the Basilica.
State Meetings July 19, 20 and 21, 2013 was the first Leadership Seminar held in Kearney, Nebraska. Directors and Chairmen were introduced and Fr. Schweiger spent Saturday morning teaching leadership skills to Grand Knights, Financial Secretaries, and District Deputies. We continued our tradition of installing the State Officers and District Deputies at Mass on Saturday evening. New programs and incentives were introduced as well as the theme of One God One Family. We also introduced the goals of Fostering Lives Inspired by the Eucharist, Strengthening and Encouraging Families ,and Nurturing and Sustaining a Culture of Faithful Leaders to lead us through this fraternal year. Directors and Chairmen presented their programs for the year and the membership team provided information about recruiting, retention and growth. On December 8th and 9th, 2013 we held our mid-year membership meeting at the LaVista Conference Center in LaVista, Nebraska. The membership team worked with District Deputies to help improve recruitment and retention. District Deputies met in large and small groups with the State Deputy to improve communication and planning.
Membership Membership Director, Past State Deputy Don Ferneding and his team have done a tremendous job of working with councils to build and improve recruitment and retention programs. They have also worked with Past State Deputy Larry Reed and Jim Noonen to increase the number of degree ceremonies in the state as well as the number of Conferring Officers and Second degree teams across the state. They continued to implement the plan of One Member Per Council Per Month. Don and his team have also helped implement the new 1st Degree DVD that has allowed many councils to hold initiations for the first time in many years. Thanks to Past State Deputy Jim Haiar and his strong leadership, the State of Nebraska reached a milestone in November, crossing the 25,000 member threshold.
Programs Thank you to State Program Director Matt Richardson and his directors and chairmen. Their commitment and long hours have enhanced the Knights of Columbus presence in communities throughout the State. Our directors and chairmen continue to enhance existing programs, develop new programs and make sure that God is a part of all that they do.
Insurance Once again Nebraska is home to two of the most outstanding General Agents in the Order, Tony Swanson and Kevin Pfeifer. Nebraska also has outstanding field agents who have dedicated themselves to bringing the Knights of Columbus and protection of families to our members throughout the state. Nebraska continues to enjoy an amazing relationship with our insurance force and we are proud to call each of them friend and brother.
Squires Tim Smith and Dave Marx continue to do an outstanding job as Counselors for our Squires program. Our youth are the future of our Order and I would ask that each council look to see if they can sustain a Squires circle either by themselves or with other area councils to give our youth a good Catholic foundation.
Fourth Degree The Fourth Degree is the most visible arm of our Order. We continue to see growth in Assemblies and we encourage all third degree members to join our Patriotic degree. Thank you to Past State Deputy Don Ferneding for his continued efforts to expand membership and for his work to help re-establish the western degree team. I also want to commend the eastern degree team for their many hours of travel and dedication to put on exemplifications.
Vocations In Solidarity with our Priests is the unwritten rule of our Order. Our dedication to our Clergy and Religious has helped us to be known as the “Strong Right Arm of the Church”. We need to continue this dedication and support. Our raffle continues to struggle due to state gaming and Postal laws but we were once again able to provide each seminarian with $200 for their personal use. I encourage you to continue to support our seminarian fund by purchasing raffle tickets.
Christopher Fund In 1993 the Nebraska jurisdiction voted to participate in the Christopher Fund in which deposits made by Nebraska are matched with monies from Supreme. At this time we can deposit $5 per member and the interest received from this account is dispersed annually. This year’s interest amount totaled $19,589.51 and will be distributed to the three diocese based on membership.
Culture of Life Foundation This year we changed the name of the foundation to more fully represent the fight for life from conception to natural death. The One Rose One Life and Buck-a-Month programs continue to provide funding for grass roots efforts to support life. We also continue our long partnership with the Nebraska Catholic Conference as well as many other organizations throughout the state in support of Culture of Life activities.
Intellectual Disabilities Foundation This Foundation’s new directors are Don and Terri Hypse. Don and Terri have done a great job as they fit into their new role. Intellectual Disabilities (formally Tootsie Roll) weekend is the most successful fundraiser for this Foundation. One half of the funds raised by your council can be returned to a qualifying organization in your council’s community. Governor Heineman once again signed a proclamation designating a week in October, 2013 as Intellectual Disabilities Week and we presented the Governor with a box of Tootsie Rolls in appreciation.
Knights of Columbus Nebraska State Council Foundation Co-directors Norm Vogel, PSD John Smith and Mike Bailey continue to look for ways to improve not only contributions to the foundation but investment opportunities to better utilize your money. Councils, Assemblies and Circles are encouraged to donate so that we can reach 100% participation. Individual and Council/Assembly donors will once again be recognized at this year’s convention for reaching milestones and ongoing support.
State Disaster Relief Fund Through a donation from the Supreme Council in 2011 the State Council has been able to help several individual who have been the victims of natural disasters with funds to help purchase food, clothing and other immediate needs. Chaired by Past State Deputy Jim Haiar, applications available on the state website are reviewed by a committee and those applications which are approved receive a small grant. Councils can provide additional funds that will be matched to a predetermined limit.
Communications Communication is vital to our success. Nebraska has an outstanding reputation for timely and accurate communications to members and officers. The Courier, published four times per year is sent to every member within the state. We continue to encourage members, and especially Financial Secretaries, to sign up for electronic delivery. The same great information is available and our annual postage bill would be greatly reduced if more members would sign up through the website. Financial Secretaries, it continues to be of utmost importance that you keep your membership address up to date to make sure all members receive their courier and to help manage postage costs. Our website is another excellent source of up-to-date information. Degree schedules and State Officer commitments along with news about upcoming events and council activities are just some of the things that can be found on our website. Ron, Duffi and Aaron Goodrich continue to do outstanding work in preparing much of the printed material for the state, including the Courier and annual directory. Aaron is our webmaster and continues to improve our websites functionality and content. Executive Secretary Ray Guggenberger continues to maintain our prayer list and diligently sends out requests every morning. Many, many requests have been answered through prayers from across the state and across the country. Ray also manages all of the communication for convention, the leadership seminar and mid-year meeting as well as other information that needs to be distributed either by mail or in electronic format.
Closing In closing I would like to thank our Bishops for their continued and unswerving support of the Knights of Columbus. It is truly a blessing to have such wonderful support for the Order and for our efforts here in Nebraska. I want to thank Joe Pietruszynski, our Membership and Program Consultant for sharing his knowledge and love of the Order with us. Joe’s expertise and insight have been tremendous building blocks for the state this year. Worthy District Deputies, you are the backbone of our Order. It is through you that we communicate to each Council and through you that Councils communicate back to us. Your many hours of meetings and travel throughout this great state are the reason for our success. Worthy Council Officers and members, you are the ones that touch your Parishes and communities. Your time spent flipping pancakes, painting, shoveling snow, or just visiting with a lonely soul is what the Knights of Columbus is all about. Evangelizing and giving away our faith is true Charity. To my family, thank you for allowing me to do what I do. Thank you for understanding when I am not there. Thank you for your love and your support. A special thank you to my wife Gail for all your hours of proof reading, spell checking and all around organizational skills that help me stay somewhat close to on track. I leave you with what I hope are words of encouragement. Pope St. John Paul II said “be not afraid.” With those words in your heart show true charity to others by giving away your faith in how you live and what you do. Invite others to join our family so that they too may strengthen their faith and draw closer to God.
Vivat Jesus Respectfully submitted this 26th day of April, 2014.
Richard W. Lowery State Deputy Nebraska Jurisdiction I move for the adoption of my report, is there a second? Council 10184 seconded, motion passed. I also move for the adoption of the remaining state officers without being read and entered into the proceedings. Council 652 seconded, motion passed.
STATE SECRETARY Worthy State Deputy Richard Lowery, Worthy Supreme Director Javier Martinez, Worthy State Chaplain Fr. Schweiger, Worthy State Officers, District Deputies, Directors, Chairmen, Delegates, and Brother Knights attending the 109th Annual Nebraska State Convention in Kearney, NE, April 25-27, 2014, Greetings. It has indeed been an honor and a privilege to serve you, the more than 25,000 Brother Knights in Nebraska, as State Secretary. I respectfully submit the following report: As State Secretary I was responsible for the official minutes of all state meetings; biannual billing and collection of per capita and corresponding records maintenance; expenditure and income classification and corresponding vouchers; official state correspondence; and attendance of various council functions, meetings and degrees as assigned by State Deputy Richard Lowery. In June of 2013 as State Secretary Elect, State Membership Director Don Ferneding, State Program Director Matt Richardson and I traveled to Dallas to attend a Supreme meeting for State Secretaries, Membership and Program Directors. We spent an intense day in meetings, learning about Supreme programs and sharing ideas with other jurisdictions assigned to our Supreme Membership and Program Consultant Joe Pietruszynski. In preparation for this year’s State Convention, letters were drafted to Supreme Knight Carl Anderson, Bishops residing in the state, and the Mayor of Kearney, inviting them to attend our annual State Convention. Letters of greeting were received from Supreme Knight Anderson and all six of the Bishops residing in Nebraska. Credentials were received and recorded for 107 councils attending the State Convention resulting in 197 delegates being seated for the business meeting. Saturday evening, April 26, I conducted a meeting for individuals interested in running for delegate to the 132nd Supreme Convention in Orlando, Florida, August 5-7, 2014. Two interested individuals participated in the meeting where finances, dress code and meeting attendance requirements were discussed. On Sunday, April 27, at the business meeting, the election of delegates was held. Nebraska is allowed 10 delegates; however, this year only seven elected spots were available. The three non-elected delegate seats will be filled by the State Deputy, Immediate Past State Deputy, and the State Secretary. An election was not necessary for Supreme delegates as only two knights expressed a desire to attend; thereby which the State Deputy will appoint members to the remaining five spots. It gives me great pleasure to report the Supreme Board of Directors extended an invitation for all 2014-2015 State Chaplains throughout the order to attend the 132nd Supreme Convention in Orlando, Florida, and generously approved per diem, mileage and an additional stipend to offset costs. Our State Chaplain, Father Troy Schweiger, plans to attend along with the state delegation. It has truly been a pleasure to travel across the state to the many different council activities as assigned by Worthy State Deputy Richard Lowery. Laurie and I have been blessed with the opportunity to meet so many faith-filled brother knights and their families, not to mention witnessing the many good works performed across this great state! Congratulations for all you do for the Knights of Columbus. I have enjoyed serving as your State Secretary this past year and look forward to being able to continue to serve you in the year to come. Respectively Submitted Anthony (Tony) Hergott State Secretary
STATE TREASURER Worthy State Deputy Rich Lowery, Worthy Supreme Director Javier Martinez, Worthy State Chaplain Fr. Troy Schweiger, Worthy State Officers, District Deputies, Directors, Chairmen, Delegates, and Brother Knights attending the 109th Annual Nebraska State Convention in Kearney, NE, on April 25, 26, and 27, 2014. It has indeed been an honor and a privilege to serve you, and the 25,000 plus Brother Knights in Nebraska as State Treasurer. I respectfully submit the following report: July of 2013- I started my term as State Treasurer. It is my responsibility to be accountable of all funds received and disbursed for the state general fund, sweepstakes fund, and the disaster relief fund. Also in July, I attended the Grand Knight Seminar in Kearney, NE. Mileage and per diem checks were prepared and distributed. I received all the equipment and the training from Tony necessary to perform my duties. November 2013 – 78 Seminarians identified by each of the three dioceses were sent $200 checks as a Christmas gift along with Christmas cards thanking them for answering the call to the priesthood. From this we received many Thank You, thanking all the brother Knights for their support I attended the Mid-Winter meeting, testimonial dinner for Jim Haiar held in LaVista, NE, distributing mileage and per diem checks. I received all the State Treasurer equipment and was taught my new job. April 2014 – Mileage and per diem checks were prepared for the annual state convention in Kearney, NE. As State Treasurer, I prepared all reports required and requested by the State Officers, including those which provided information on account balances. Special requests were also completed. I also paid all outstanding bills as directed by State Deputy Rich Lowery upon receiving signed vouchers, from State Secretary Tony Hergott. This past year, I attended all meetings called by the State Deputy and performed my duties to the best of my abilities. The aforementioned meetings included, but are not limited to, the Grand Knight Seminar in July of 2013; The Mid-Winter meeting in December of 2013; and the State convention in April 2013 as State Warden, we also had a long range planning meeting in March. It has been an honor and a privileged to attend several Council functions and major degrees as a representative of State Deputy Lowery. Carole and I have enjoyed and been welcomed by many of our Knights and their families throughout the state, meeting brother Knights and their families and renewing old friendships. Carole and I would like to thank you for all of your prayers and support. I have enjoyed serving as your State Treasurer this past year and look forward to being able to continue to serve you and the State in the year to come.
Respectfully submitted, Lou Gasper State Treasurer
STATE ADVOCATE Worthy State Deputy, Supreme Representative, fellow State Officers, District Deputies, Directors, Chairmen, Delegates, and Brother Knights, since entering office as the State Advocate for the 2013 to 2014 Fraternal Year, I have:
1. Attended as many scheduled and called State Council Meetings and meetings of all State Council subordinate entities as my work and family schedules permitted; 2. Prepared, coordinated, and filed all federal and state Returns, Reports, and Forms required for the activities of the State Council and its related entities for the period;
3. Reviewed the State Council’s liability insurance coverage, consulted with the Council’s insurance agent concerning the coverage, took action to obtain additional insurance coverage for special events pursuant to contract, and arranged for and confirmed payment of the insurance policy premiums;
4. Rendered legal opinions for the State Council, Executive Committee, and State Officers as requested;
5. Rendered legal opinions on a variety of issues for local council officers;
6. Reviewed contracts, performed legal research, prepared legal memoranda, drafted correspondence, and created other documents concerning various issues;
7. Maintained the following electronic Docket: Recurring Obligations/Filings/Deadlines; Ongoing Projects, Research, and Special Items; and Pending Action/Litigation;
8. Attended local council functions and degree work when my schedule permitted;
9. Performed disciplinary actions pursuant to the laws of the Order;
10. Solicited and prepared proposed Resolutions for the 2014 Nebraska State Convention and chaired the State Resolutions Committee and prepared to present the Committee’s recommendations to the assembled State Council.
It has been a special honor and privilege serving as the Nebraska State Advocate this past year. On behalf of my family and I, thank you.
Fraternally yours, Kenneth J. LeRoy, Esq. Nebraska State Advocate
STATE WARDEN Worthy State Deputy Rich Lowery, Worthy Supreme Representative Javier Martinez, Worthy State Chaplain Father Troy, Worthy State Officers, District Deputies, Grand Knights, Director, Chairmen, Support Staff, Delegates, Brother Knights and our families welcome to the 109th Annual Nebraska State Convention in Kearney Nebraska the weekend of 25 April 2014. I respectfully submit my 2013/2014 report starting with attending all meetings called to order by the State Deputy and performed all assigned tasks successfully. The Mid-Winter meeting held in Norfolk Nebraska during December 2013 was a success. All meetings held were informative and well received by the attendees. Lottery tickets were handed out with detailed instruction to their dissemination and collecting of tickets and funds. There were many events I was invited to attend and enjoyed being able to celebrate the council’s events and fellowship. I also attended services for the passing of brother knights and their family members, being able to pray together as one family in the House of the Lord was special. My next major project was selling Ads for the Program Book given out at the State Convention in April 2014. The knights and outside organizations did well submitting Ads and we collected approximately $1,500 toward offsetting the cost of the Convention Program Book, State Banquet, Family Award Luncheon, and State Banquet Programs. A special thanks to Duffy, Ron, and Aaron Goodrich for their expertise and support during this extensive process. This Fraternal Year has been an exciting experience for me and my family. We have been blessed to be able to work for this great state representing over 25,000 knights and their families. Finally, a heartfelt thanks to all of you for your dedication to the Knight of Columbus and to all the charitable contributions and selfless acts you demonstrated to the Church, Council, and Community. May God bless you and your family.
Respectfully Submitted Mark Borytsky State Warden
PAST STATE DEPUTY Worthy State Deputy Richard Lowery and all State Officers, Worthy Supreme guests, Past State Deputies and Chaplains, District Deputies, Directors/Chairmen, Delegates, Brother Knights and friends. I wish to thank all of you for allowing me the opportunity to serve the members of the Knights of Columbus as the Immediate Past State Deputy this past year. I also look forward to serving the state as part of the fraternity of Past State Deputies. During this year I attended all meetings and functions requested by State Deputy Lowery and look forward to continued support of the State team in the future. Linda and I would like to thank the state officers for the testimonial dinner given to us during the mid-winter meeting. It was very memorable and much appreciated.
Fraternally, Jim Haiar
EXECUTIVE SECRETARY Worthy State Deputy Rich Lowery, State Officers, Delegates and Brother Knights attending the 109th Annual State Convention in Kearney, Nebraska on April 25, 26 and 27 April 2014. I attended to all routine correspondence for the State Council and mailed out such communications as the State Officers required. I attended all meetings called by the State Deputy. I prepared the minutes and proceedings of the 108th Annual State Meeting in Kearney for 2013. I prepared and mailed to all councils the semi-annual per capita billings for State Secretary Hergott. During this past year I assisted in preparing for this convention by preparing and mailing all the documents and information sheets to our subordinate councils. During this past year, the state council offered 46 masses for the members of the state council with the Columban Fathers Foreign Missionary Society. These are offered for serious illnesses and the passing of the brother knight. The reporting of our subordinate councils is up a little for the same time as last year; for the Report of Officers, we are 86% complete; the Report of Service Personnel, we are 81% complete. The Semi-Annual Audit for the period ending June 30, 2012 is 80% complete and for the period ending December 31, 2011 is 75% complete. At this time we have 27 councils that are two or more reports delinquent, our Supreme council has ended the bond on the Financial Secretary and Treasurer of these councils. I am again pleased to report that the Annual Report of Fraternal Activity was 100% complete as of January 31, 2013; we have been 100% for the last 19 years per Supreme records. This year we are one of two jurisdictions to be 100% on time. It is the same council’s year-after-year that does not submit these vital reports; some improvement is noted in the submission of these reports. There continues to be an increase in the number of councils filing these and other reports on-line with Supreme. For the 2013-2014 fraternal year I prepared the annual directory for the State of Nebraska. This is a time consuming task. I continued publishing a monthly email with directory changes to keep all update on changes to our directory. I maintain an electronic email mailing list for the prime purpose of notifying our members of requests for our prayers. I have approximately 1,500 addresses, subordinate councils send these on to their individual members and we estimate that approximately 16,000 brother knights receive these requests for our prayers. Only 11 councils and 2 district deputies do not have email addresses. I reviewed the Courier for content, etc., prior to publication of each issue. In closing, I wish to give a very special thank you to State Deputy Rich Lowery for the opportunity to continue to serve as the State Council Executive Secretary. I have served in this role for 14 years, I look forward to continuing my service to our order.
Respectfully submitted, Ray Guggenberger
DISTRICT MASTER Worthy State Deputy, State Officers, and brother Knights. It has been my honor to be the District Master for the State of Nebraska for the past three years. At the April 2013 State Convention, the 4th degree held their Annual 4th Degree meeting. At the meeting the following was discussed, reported and voted on: This year 3 at large members were selected by the 4th degree Assemblies as the audit team for 2013. This audit will take place in July and reported to all Assemblies. The 2013-14 budget was presented and approved by the Assemblies present. This budget included $3,500 of revenue and $2,293 of expenses leaving a carryover of approximately $1,207 depending on exemplification income. The following Diocesan area 4th degree meetings were announced. Tentative dates will be as follows: Sept 21, 2013 Humphrey Sept 28, 2013 Omaha Oct 12, 2013 Sidney Oct 19, 2013 Lincoln The assemblies were notified of the importance of all reports especially the Annual Survey of Fraternal Activity Report, which is now mandatory. The two degree teams in the state were announced along with the current captain Rich Lowery. Rich will be stepping down from this position, as he becomes the new State Deputy. I extended my appreciation for the many hours and over 20 years of service to the 4th degree. It was also announced that the 6 month waiting period was no longer in effect to become a 4th degree and that all exemplifications were to include a Mass. Due to this change, Nebraska will be piloting a 2nd/3rd/4th degree exemplification in July and reporting results to Vice Supreme Master, John Kasper. The 4th degree schedule was given out to all Assemblies. These degree dates are now on the State 4th Degree website. It is hoped that these dates will be on the same weekend at all locations each year. This will allow Assemblies to plan for new candidates well in advance of the degrees. The 4th Degree, again, will host the color guard for approximately 7 parades at the State Fair. This is a statewide project and all assemblies are asked to participate in this project. Scott Bowman gave a report and explanation of the Veteran’s Affairs Volunteer Service (VAVS) program from Supreme. Scott is the 4th degree representative for the Grand Island Veterans Hospital. All Assemblies were asked to participate in two major Supreme programs. The first being the RSVP program for support of our Seminarians and the second being the Military Chaplains Scholarship Program to raise funds for support of Seminarians planning to enter into the military as Chaplains. The Diocesan Directors of the 4th Degree will be asking all assemblies for an activity report on these two programs. The meeting closed at 4:45 pm.
Fraternally, Don Ferneding District Master of Nebraska
Deputy Haiar called on Treasurer Hergott for the report of the Mileage and Per Diem Committee.
MILEAGE AND PER DIEM COMMITTEE Worthy State Chaplin Fr. Troy Schweiger, Worthy State Deputy Lowery, Worthy Supreme Director Javier Martinez , Worthy State Officers, Worthy State Directors and Chairmen, Worthy District Deputies, Worthy Delegates and Brother Knights attending this the 109th State Convention held at the Younes Conference Center in Kearney NE April 25, 26, and 27, 2014. Welcome. The Annual State Meeting of the Mileage & Per Diem Committee met on Saturday, April 26, 2014 in the Ruby 2 room. The meeting convened at 8:00AM with 26 councils represented by either their Grand Knights or state convention delegates. State Treasurer Lou Gasper first led the committee in prayer. The mileage rate of $0.45 per mile one way and Per Diem rate of $15.00 per day was presented. There was a motion to approve the Mileage and Per Diem rates by Pope John XXIII Council 5439, Howells. The motion was then seconded by Msgr. Raymond Wageman Council 8625, Valparaiso. The motion passed unanimously. There was no further discussion therefore a motion by Council 1211 and second by Council 5045 was made to adjourn. This motion also passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned following a closing prayer at 8: 17 AM.
Respectively Submitted Lou Gasper State Treasurer
Treasurer Gasper moved for the adoption of the committee report, seconded by Council 1211, motion passed. Deputy Lowery called on Supreme Director Javier Martinez for his remarks. Director Martinez acknowledged the assembly and thanked all for the warm welcome. He continued and thanks Nebraska for all their good works and for the record of continuous growth for the last 32 years. Truly a remarkable achievement! Director Martinez continued by acknowledging and thanked Deputy Lowery for leadership as State Deputy of the Nebraska jurisdiction. Director Martinez stated he has visited several jurisdictions, all are doing swell. The two insurance agencies in Nebraska continue to lead the order in service to our members. The Knights of Columbus Insurance program continues to be one of the top rated insurance companies in the world. The Supreme Council donated $2,000,000 to Pope Francis for his personal charities. Nebraska has a 30 year history of continuous growth, an enviable accomplishment. To keep this record growing we must recruit by prayer and asking someone to join and following his through the exemplifications. Please remember to rely on our chaplains for spiritual guidance and ask for their guidance in making decisions. The semiannual “Blitz” program is changed to a Membership 365 Program, we must recruit every single day. We have 2 months left to the end of the Fraternal Year, Nebraska can and should make “Circle of Honor”. One final change has also been approved; the Free-throw and Soccer Challenge are now for ages 9 through 14, 9 year olds are now added to the age spread. Vivat Jesu. Deputy Lowery thanked Director Martinez for his remarks. Deputy Lowery called on Secretary Hergott to conduct the roll call of officers and delegates. Secretary Hergott conducted the roll call as follows:
State Deputy Lowery - Present Immediate Past State Deputy Haiar – Present State Chaplain Reverend Schweiger - Present State Secretary Hergott - Present State Treasurer Gasper - Present State Advocate Leroy – Present State Warden Borytsky - Present
District #1, how many delegates do you have registered in your district. I have ____0_____. District #2, how many delegates do you have registered in your district. I have ____6_____. District #3, how many delegates do you have registered in your district. I have ____3_____. District #4, how many delegates do you have registered in your district. I have ____8_____. District #5, how many delegates do you have registered in your district. I have ____6_____. District #6, how many delegates do you have registered in your district. I have ____8_____. District #7, how many delegates do you have registered in your district. I have ____0____. District #8, how many delegates do you have registered in your district. I have ____3___. District #9, how many delegates do you have registered in your district. I have ____8____. District #10, how many delegates do you have registered in your district. I have ___8_____. District #11, how many delegates do you have registered in your district. I have ___3_____. District #12, how many delegates do you have registered in your district. I have ___4_____. District #13, how many delegates do you have registered in your district. I have ___6_____. District #14, how many delegates do you have registered in your district. I have ___2_____. District #15, how many delegates do you have registered in your district. I have ___3_____. District #16, how many delegates do you have registered in your district. I have ___0_____. District #17, how many delegates do you have registered in your district. I have ___4_____. District #18, how many delegates do you have registered in your district. I have ___4_____. District #19, how many delegates do you have registered in your district. I have ___8_____. District #20, how many delegates do you have registered in your district. I have ___4_____. District #21, how many delegates do you have registered in your district. I have ___0_____. District #22, how many delegates do you have registered in your district. I have ___5_____. District #23, how many delegates do you have registered in your district. I have ___6_____. District #24, how many delegates do you have registered in your district. I have ___6_____. District #25, how many delegates do you have registered in your district. I have ___4_____. District #26, how many delegates do you have registered in your district. I have ___2_____. District #27, how many delegates do you have registered in your district. I have ___2_____. District #28, how many delegates do you have registered in your district. I have ___2_____. District #29, how many delegates do you have registered in your district. I have ___4_____. District #30, how many delegates do you have registered in your district. I have ___4_____. District #31, how many delegates do you have registered in your district. I have ___4_____. District #32, how many delegates do you have registered in your district. I have ___4_____. District #33, how many delegates do you have registered in your district. I have ___5_____. District #34, how many delegates do you have registered in your district. I have ___7____. District #35, how many delegates do you have registered in your district. I have ___4____. District #36, how many delegates do you have registered in your district. I have ___4_____. District #37, how many delegates do you have registered in your district. I have ___5____. District #38, how many delegates do you have registered in your district. I have ___6____. District #39, how many delegates do you have registered in your district. I have ___3___. District #40, how many delegates do you have registered in your district. I have ___2____. District #41, how many delegates do you have registered in your district. I have ___5____. District #42, how many delegates do you have registered in your district. I have ___3_____. Deputy Hergott thanked Secretary Hergott and continued. At this time I move we deviate from the normal order of business to conduct the election of state officers. Is there a second? Council 6192 seconded. Motion passed. We will now proceed with elections. Charter Constitution and Laws of the Order will be strictly observed during all elections. Only third degree members may run for state office. Only one second to a nomination shall be accepted. Voting shall be written and be a roll call vote. Only those delegates present in the meeting room at the time of the actual voting can vote. One delegate from a council may not vote both his and the second delegate’s vote if the other delegate is absent. Are there any questions with regards to the policy which will be followed in connection with the elections? Deputy Lowery called on Past State Deputy Haiar and relinquished the gavel. Past State Deputy Haiar recited the current slate of State Officers as follows:
State Deputy Richard Lowery State Secretary Tony Hergott State Treasurer Lou Gasper State Advocate Kenneth LeRoy State Warden Mark Borytsky
Past State Deputy Haiar called for additional nominations for any state office from the floor three times, pausing between requests. None of the Delegates rose to make an additional nomination.
Past State Deputy Haiar closed the nominations and declared the slate of State Officers elected by acclamation. He asked the body to congratulate the re-elected State Officers. Past State Deputy Haiar relinquished the gavel to SD Lowery Deputy Lowery, Secretary Hergott, Treasurer Gasper, Advocate Leroy and Warden Borytsky acknowledged the convention and thanked all for the vote of confidence and promised to serve the order for the coming year. Secretary Hergott thanked the convention for their support and explained he could not be present on Sunday as his son was being confirmed. Deputy Lowery continued, during the Officer’s Meeting on Dec 6, 2013 in LaVista Nebraska it was moved, seconded and the motion passed to open nominations for our Supreme convention in Orlando Florida. Informational letters were provided to each council in January of this year. A short meeting will be held in the Ruby II following our States Banquet this evening. Secretary Hergott will chair this meeting. At this meeting, the nominee background sheet must be turned in to Secretary Hergott. Nominations are closed at the end of this meeting. Secretary Hergott will have additional copies of the nominee background form available. Deputy Lowery called to the podium Advocate Leroy. Advocate Leroy explained to the convention that the procedure followed for the election of officers is provided for in the 2014 edition of Robert’s Rules of order. Deputy Lowery announced that mass this evening will be in this room at 5:30 PM, the priests and 4th degree honor guard will vest in Crystal 2. Bishop William Dendinger, Bishop of Grand Island and our Former State Chaplain will be our presider. The chair will entertain a motion that this meeting be recessed and reconvene on Sunday, April 27th, 2014 at 9:00 AM sharp. Much remains to be done including the election delegates to this year's Supreme convention to be held in Orlando Florida. Delegates are reminded that they most attend both sessions and vote to receive their expense checks. Council 12086 so moved, seconded by Council 15101, motion passed, Deputy Lowery recessed the meeting at 2:50 PM. Chaplain Schweiger closed with a prayer.
SATURDAY, APRIL 26th, 2014 – LADIES PROGRAM The ladies program featured “Bea Funny” Fiala from Grand Island and her talk on humor and surviving cancer.
SATURDAY, APRIL 26th, 2014 – MASS The Most Reverend William J. Dendinger, Bishop of Grand Island and Former State Chaplain was the principal celebrant of our liturgy in the Crystal Room 4, 5, and 6 of the Younes Conference Center. Concelebrating Rev Troy Schweiger, State Chaplain and Monsignor Ivan Vap, Past State Chaplain. Over 650 people attended this mass. Master Ferneding provided a 4th degree honor guard. The collection was for the Pro-Life programs of the Grand Island Diocese. The congregation donated $2000.00. PSD Larry Reed presented the necrology, which follows:
Necrology Knights of Columbus Mass Kearney, Nebraska – April 26, 2014
We pause now to pay homage to those Brother Knights who have served the Order on the State level, as State Officers or District Deputies, and who have passed on to their Eternal Reward since our last Convention. We pay tribute to them for their faithful and dedicated service to our Order, our Church and our communities. W. Bernard Burenheide Bernard served District 7 as a District Deputy from 2009-2010. He was a member and Past Grand Knight of Council #1336 in Falls City. Bernard passed away on February 15, 2014. Stephen "Steve" Dubas
From 1991 – 1995, Steve served our jurisdiction as a District Deputy. He was a member of St. Peters Council #7954 in Fullerton. Steve passed away on September 18, 2013. George DeMaro George served as District Deputy from 1982-1986. He then went on to serve two (2) years as State Council Director and two years as State Vocations Chairman. From 1978-1982, George DeMaro was this States Second Health Services Chairman in charge of our Annual Fund Drive for persons with mental disabilities. On a personal note, George was special in my life as he personally recommended me to be his successor. George was a long time Financial Secretary for Christ the King Council #5315 in Cozad. George passed away on December 19, 2013. H. Edward Jacobi
Ed Jacobi served our State as Program Director and State Secretary. From 1968-1970, Ed served as our State Deputy. Later, he also served as the State Pro- Life Chairman and then State Publicity Chairman. During his years as State Deputy, one of the many Highlights of his term was the dedication of the Chapel built for the Boys Training School here in Kearney and funded and supported by the Nebraska Knights of Columbus. Ed was a 60 member of Pius XII Council 1123 in Hastings. He passed away on August 1, 2013. Oh, Heavenly Father,
We commend our departed into your hands. We thank you for letting them be a part of our lives.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord.
ALL: And let perpetual light shine upon them
May their souls and the souls of all our departed Brother Knights, through the Mercy of God, Rest in Peace.
ALL: Amen
SATURDAY, APRIL 26TH, 2014 – SOCIAL HOUR/BANQUET Following Mass, a no-host social was held in the Diamond Room of the Younes Conference Center. The main banquet was held in the same room. After the grand march entrance and introductions, Deputy Lowery presented Bishop Dendinger a check for $4,114, the proceeds from the Christopher Fund. Deputy Lowery continued that he also had checks for the Omaha Archdiocese, $9,990 and the Lincoln diocese, $5,485. Deputy Lowery introduced Supreme Director Javier Martinez, the principal speaker for the evening. Director Martinez’ remarks follow: Director Martinez stated he brings greetings from Supreme Knight Carl Anderson and the Supreme Council. He was very appreciative of the warm welcome he received during his stay. Director Martinez thanked the 3 Nebraska Bishops for their hard work. He noted there are 378,000 Catholics in Nebraska and only 25,000 knights. This shows that is there is lots of work for our brothers to recruit new families into the order. The more you give to the Church and order, the more you receive. Director Martinez continued by providing the volunteer hours and donations that were recorded in the annual Fraternal Activity Report. In Nebraska you gave over $2,000,000 in charity over 881,000 man hours in support of our Church, Communities and our brother Knights, Nebraska gave over 12,000 units of blood. He noted that Nebraska has provided 4 ultrasound machines; the Supreme program has purchased 453 machines order wide. Director Martinez concluded his remarks to urging us to continue in our charitable programs and to lead by our example. Deputy Lowery presented Director Martinez a book on the history of Nebraska as a memento of his visit. Deputy Lowery continued with his comments. The State Officers are very pleased with the accomplishments of the 166 councils in Nebraska. However, much work remains to be done to build Catholic families. He continued that in November we surpassed the 25,000 member level. Now is the time to continue moving forward on membership, noting we still have some major degrees scheduled in the state. Deputy Lowery stated we have 2 new saints Saint Pope John XXIII and Saint Pope John Paul II. These two great saints are a call to all of to invite Catholic families to join us. Deputy Lowery concluded his remarks by that the State Council family for their hard work during this past year, the hotel management and staff for their efforts for a successful meeting and particularly his family for the tremendous help. Deputy Lowery called to the dais Squires directors Timothy Smith and Davis Marx. They thanked the gathering for their continued support. The squires held the raffle with bishop Dendinger drawing for tickets for the prizes. Deputy Lowery called Warden Borytsky to the dais. Warden Borytsky conducted the annual sweepstakes drawing; the proceeds are for the support of Nebraska’s seminarians and postulants. Bishop Dendinger drew the following:
$2500 – Walzak Council 1723 $1000 – Carol Menke $750 – Al Pfeifer $500 - Jerome Widde
Warden Borytsky concluded by thanking the Nebraska Knights for the continuing support. Deputy Lowery called to the podium Foundation Advisors PSD John Smith and Norm Vogel. Advisors Smith and Vogel thanked all for the continued and on-going support of the Nebraska State Council Foundation. During the past calendar year Dave Hamilton from spencer, Dave Moffitt from Lincoln , Bob Steinauer from Steinauer, John Stoeckinger from Lincoln and Dan Whitehead from Bellevue became Foundation Fellows. Tony Swanson, General Agent from Hastings became a Knights fellow. There are no new McGivney fellows this year. Deputy Lowery presented Advisor Smith a custom-made Knights of Columbus clock to thank him for his 11 years of service to the Foundation. Advisor Smith thanked all for the memento. Deputy Lowery called on Chaplain Schweiger for a closing blessing. The dinner concluded at 9:25 PM.
SATURDAY, APRIL 26th, 2014 – DELEGATE CAUCUS Secretary Hergott led the caucus on delegate nominations to the Supreme Meeting in Orlando. Two candidates attended this meeting in Ruby 2 of the Younes Conference Center.
SUNDAY, APRIL 27TH, 2014 – MORNING MASS Mass started the day in the Younes Conference Center in Kearney. Chaplain Schweiger was the principal celebrant. Approximately 225 people attended.
SUNDAY, APRIL 27TH, 2014 – LADIES BRUNCH Gail Lowery hosted the Ladies Brunch. We had an excellent turnout for the brunch. Chaplain Schweiger was the principal guest.
SUNDAY, APRIL 27TH, 2014 – BUSINESS MEETING Deputy Lowery reconvened the meeting at 9:04 AM. All persons not having received the honors of membership in the third degree shall please retire from the Chamber. First Degree brothers from Council 15689 or higher are permitted to remain in the chamber. The doors shall now be closed and the guards assume their positions. Please turn off or silence all pagers and cell phones. Deputy Lowery led the opening prayer by praying the Divine Chaplet prayer. Master Ferneding led all in the “Pledge of Allegiance.” Deputy Lowery called on Warden Borytsky asking if all were in possession of a current membership card and if all delegates were seated in their proper seats. Warden Borytsky stated all were in possession of a current membership card and all delegates were properly seated. Deputy Lowery led the opening prayer. Deputy Lowery called on Past State Deputy Haiar to conduct the official roll call of delegates. The roll call was duly conducted, the results follow:
State Deputy Lowery - Present Immediate Past State Deputy Haiar – Present State Chaplain Reverend Schweiger - Present State Secretary Hergott - Excused State Treasurer Gasper - Present State Advocate Leroy – Present State Warden Borytsky - Present
District #1, how many delegates do you have registered in your district. I have ____0_____. District #2, how many delegates do you have registered in your district. I have ____5_____. District #3, how many delegates do you have registered in your district. I have ____3_____. District #4, how many delegates do you have registered in your district. I have ____8_____. District #5, how many delegates do you have registered in your district. I have ____6_____. District #6, how many delegates do you have registered in your district. I have ____8_____. District #7, how many delegates do you have registered in your district. I have ____0____. District #8, how many delegates do you have registered in your district. I have ____3___. District #9, how many delegates do you have registered in your district. I have ____8____. District #10, how many delegates do you have registered in your district. I have ___8_____. District #11, how many delegates do you have registered in your district. I have ___4_____. District #12, how many delegates do you have registered in your district. I have ___3_____. District #13, how many delegates do you have registered in your district. I have ___6_____. District #14, how many delegates do you have registered in your district. I have ___2_____. District #15, how many delegates do you have registered in your district. I have ___3_____. District #16, how many delegates do you have registered in your district. I have ___0_____. District #17, how many delegates do you have registered in your district. I have ___3_____. District #18, how many delegates do you have registered in your district. I have ___4_____. District #19, how many delegates do you have registered in your district. I have ___7_____. District #20, how many delegates do you have registered in your district. I have ___4_____. District #21, how many delegates do you have registered in your district. I have ___0_____. District #22, how many delegates do you have registered in your district. I have ___7_____. District #23, how many delegates do you have registered in your district. I have ___5_____. District #24, how many delegates do you have registered in your district. I have ___6_____. District #25, how many delegates do you have registered in your district. I have ___4_____. District #26, how many delegates do you have registered in your district. I have ___2_____. District #27, how many delegates do you have registered in your district. I have ___1_____. District #28, how many delegates do you have registered in your district. I have ___4_____. District #29, how many delegates do you have registered in your district. I have ___4_____. District #30, how many delegates do you have registered in your district. I have ___4_____. District #31, how many delegates do you have registered in your district. I have ___4_____. District #32, how many delegates do you have registered in your district. I have ___4_____. District #33, how many delegates do you have registered in your district. I have ___5_____. District #34, how many delegates do you have registered in your district. I have ___7____. District #35, how many delegates do you have registered in your district. I have ___4____. District #36, how many delegates do you have registered in your district. I have ___4_____. District #37, how many delegates do you have registered in your district. I have ___5____. District #38, how many delegates do you have registered in your district. I have ___6____. District #39, how many delegates do you have registered in your district. I have ___3___. District #40, how many delegates do you have registered in your district. I have ___2____. District #41, how many delegates do you have registered in your district. I have ___5____. District #42, how many delegates do you have registered in your district. I have ___3_____.
Past State Deputy Haiar returned the gavel to Deputy Lowery. Deputy Lowery called on General Agent Kevin Pfeifer for his annual report. Agent Pfeifer asked his report and General Agent Anthony Swanson’s be entered into the proceedings without being read. Council 12086 so moved, seconded by Council 6192, motion passed.
General Agent report from Eastern Nebraska Worthy Reverend Fathers, State Deputy Richard Lowery, State Officers, District Deputies, Honored Guests, Delegates, all Brother Knights and their wives attending the 2014 Nebraska State Convention in Kearney, Nebraska. I am proud to report the outstanding achievements of the Pfeifer Agency for 2013 and our commitment to our members and their families. The Pfeifer Agency finished 2013 ranking as the #3 agency in North American for the Knights of Columbus in life sales, coming in at 223.85% of quota. Our team also finished #1 in Long Term Care Sales and finished #1 in Disability Income Insurance sales. The agency was recognized at the K of C National Awards meeting this March. There are 136 agencies in North America representing the Knights of Columbus, so we are very proud of our team for their hard work and efforts Of course to accomplish these top rankings you must have a wonderful team and we surely do. I am proud to announce that our Agent of the Year for 2013 is Kurt Jackson who also finished #10 nationally and was recognized at our national K of C awards meeting. We had 14 agents finish over 100% of quota with 10 of our agents finishing in the top 125 nationally for the Knights of Columbus. Runner up Agent of the Year was John Stoeckinger of Lincoln, NE and 2nd runner up was Neil Pfeifer of Norfolk, NE. There are over 1,300 field agents competing for these rankings throughout North America. We also had a record 9 MDRT qualifiers, only 1% of all agents worldwide with all companies qualify for the Million Dollar Round Table. Our qualifiers were Neil Pfeifer, John Stoeckinger, Doug Kelly, Kevin Weber, Kurt Jackson, J Krawczyk, Jeff Beller, Steve Kluthe and Craig Pfeifer. Our MDRT aspirant is John Soukup. The Pfeifer Agency has 18 full time agents that serve our members in Eastern Nebraska. We are all committed to providing the highest level of service and advice for our K of C families. We enroll in many continuing education programs such as the FIC and FICF courses, as well as estate planning courses just to name a few. We offer our members a wide array of products including various life insurance programs, Long Term Care Insurance, Disability Income insurance as well as IRA’s, Roth IRA’s, Pension and 401K rollover and annuities. The Knights of Columbus Insurance has the highest ratings in the industry. There is no higher rated insurer in North America. Our profits go to charity and we “Morally and Responsibly Invest in line with Catholic Doctrine”. Finally speaking for myself and all of the field agents serving Eastern Nebraska, we would like to thank all of our Brother Knights and their families for their support and encouragement. We pledge to give the very highest level of service possible and offer solid financial advice to all, from someone you can trust.
Respectfully and Fraternally, Kevin G Pfeifer, FICF General Agent for Eastern Nebraska
TONY SWANSON, FICF General Agent 105 N. Hastings Ave. #212 HASTINGS, NEBRASKA 68901 Phone: Bus: (402) 463-2845 Ext. 1 Fax: (888) 398-7592
E-Mail: [email protected] Making a Difference for Life April 26, 2014
Worthy Reverend Fathers, State Deputy Rich Lowery, State Officers, District Deputies, Honored Guests, Delegates, and all Brother Knights and their wives attending the 2014 Nebraska State Convention in Kearney, Nebraska. The Swanson Agency of Central/Western Nebraska had an excellent year in our fifth year of existence. The agency currently has nine agents and is currently fully staffed. All of our agents are working hard to serve their members and help further Fr. McGivney’s vision of protecting and serving Catholic men and their families. Our agency had a great year, finishing #2 in life sales and #12 in Long Term Care sales out of 135 agencies in the Order. The Swanson Agency Agent of the Year for 2013 was TIM NOWAK, FICF. Tim finished #16 in the Order in life sales out of approximately 1,300 agents. Tim also qualified for the Supreme Knight’s Club (4th time), which represents approximately the top 75 agents in the Order and for MDRT membership (3rd time), which represents approximately the top 3% of life insurance agents in the world. This is the third time that Tim has been named the Swanson Agency Agent of the Year. The Agent of the Year Runner-Up was BEN SANTO, FIC. Ben had another excellent year, finishing #21 in the Order, qualifying for the Supreme Knights Club (2nd time), as well as MDRT (2nd time). The Agent of the Year 2nd Runner-Up was BILL BUCHTA, FICF. Bill also had a great year, finishing #25 in the Order, qualifying for the Supreme Knights Club (4th time), as well as MDRT (3rd time). The Knights of Columbus insurance division had another marvelous year with our 13th consecutive year of record sales. There are no other more highly rated companies in the industry, as the Knights has received the top available rating again from AM Best and were named as one of the world’s most ethical companies by the Ethisphere Institute. Finally, I would like to thank all our Brother Knights and their families for their support. It is their faith and confidence in the Knights of Columbus and our agents that encourages us to do our best to further Fr. McGivney’s charge to us as insurance agents.
Fraternally, TONY SWANSON, FICF General Agent – Central/Western Nebraska
Deputy Lowery thanked Agent Pfeifer for his reports. Deputy Lowery moved to accept the reports of the District Deputies and Directors without being read and they be entered into the proceedings. Council 11001 seconded. Motion passed.
District 1 No report received. Mark Kellor
District 2 No report received. Thomas Lynch
District 3 No report received. Woodrow Armentrout
District 4 Worth State Deputy, State Officers, I respectfully submit my (2013 - 2014) report for District #4 of which consists of Councils: #7740 “St. John Vianney” – Millard; #9518 Fr. William A Foster” St. Gerald – Ralston (my home Council); #10160 “St. Steven the Martyr” – Omaha and #14470 “Immaculate Conception” – South Omaha I have attended all the State Meetings called by our Worthy State Deputy. I have attended the council meetings in my District #4. I have installed all council officers in District #4 All reports required by Supreme for District #4 were received and sent to The Supreme Council on time. All of District #4 Councils are in Good Standing. This year was my second opportunity to Chair the Regional Soccer Challenge in the Omaha area. Once again District #4 Free Throw was hosted by my home Council #9518 Ralston. This year all of District #4 Councils participated in the District Free Throw. We had 20 children with 40 Moms and Dads participate in the District #4 Free Throw. I would like to thank Grand Knight Mike D’ Ercole of Council #9518 for his help and leadership as well as brother Knights and family. I also participated in the Regional Free Throw at Skutt High School. The chair if this event was District Deputy #5 Tom Medara. This year some 70 plus children from age 9 to 14 from all over Omaha with 200 family members attended. Tom did a fantastic job in his preparation and execution. District Deputies #4, 5, 33, 36 all participated in the Regional Free Throw 2014. I personally participated in all of my Councils Fish Dinner at least one time for each Council during Lent this year. These events are highly successful each year with this year being no exception. I want to thank all the Grand Knights, Brother Knights and family that helped in countless ways during the Lenten Fish Dinners. The Fish Dinners are truly one of the best ways for the Knights of Columbus to receive high participation of council members and visibility to those who may want to participate in the future. Every year my Home Council #9518 – Ralston participates in the Ralston 4th of July Parade (A major event). This year was no exception. We had 20 Council members participate in handing out some 20,000 Tootsie Rolls (Squires were a big help) to a crowd of some 30,000 Ralston residents. I am proud to say that our own Past State Deputy Jim Haiar also participated as well as our present State Deputy Lowery in Tootsie Roll distribution once again in 2013. (you may be starting a Tradition with State Deputies in the future). I hope that our future State Deputies will attend as well. I would like to thank State Deputy Richard W. Lowery and the State Officers for the opportunity to serve the State Council as District Deputy for District #4. I also wish to especially thank the Insurance Field Agents for their good works that they do all year.
Respectfully submitted, Ron Morss
District 5 Worthy State Deputy Lowery, State Officers, fellow District Deputies, Grand Knights and delegates to the 109th State Convention held in Kearney, Nebraska, I respectfully submit my report for District 5 consisting of: Council 3019 South Omaha, Council 6192 Bellevue, Council 10815 South Omaha, and Council 11879 Bellevue. Over the past year, all Council Officers were installed and instructed about their duties and obligations as officers in the KofC organization. Councils have submitted their reports in a timely manner and maintained their Councils finances in order. They have participated in the One Rose-One Life, Keep Christ in Christmas, RSVP Program, Tootsie Roll Drive, Soccer Challenge and the Free Throw Contest. As the DD for District 5, I’m privileged to support four of the largest, most well run, and most active Councils within the Nebraska Jurisdiction. A brief summary of Council activities over the past year includes: Council 3019 – This large Council continues to perform as one of the most active Council’s in the state, representing Knights from 9 parishes in the South Omaha area. Along with the Major Degree held in November, this Council has stepped up to the active recruiting challenge of such a large a diverse populations, holding several 1st Degree Exemplifications to bring in new members. They held their annual Religious Appreciation dinner attended local clergy and religious, sponsored several hunter safety classes, monthly food nights, Halloween, Christmas, and Easter Children’s events, Texas Hold ‘Em Tournament, Golf Tournament and Council Golf League, and a maintain a robust roundtable and involvement in Parish activities around the region. Of particular note is the ongoing Annual Wild Game feed which raises nearly $100, 000 every year to support the Council’s charitable activities. Council 6192 – This Council is well connected to the two parishes it serves in Bellevue – St Mary’s and Queen of Peace at Offutt AFB. They conducted Lenten fish dinners and pancake breakfasts in support of various Parish groups and activities. They have held a number of 1st Degrees, hosted a Major Degree, and are on track to achieve Star Council status for the year. They conducted the annual Priest Appreciation dinner, this time including Brother Knights from Council 11879 in Bellevue, setting the stage for more joint activities in the future. The Council participated in the annual Bellevue Arrows to Aerospace parade and continues to sponsor a Boy Scout Troop. They provided large numbers of manpower and transportation to support local food bank operations and provided access to the Knights hall for groups from community, school, and church. Council 10815 – Council 10815 has provided tremendous leadership to the Pastor and Staff in support of the merger of Our Lady of Guadalupe and Assumption Parishes. They participated in the annual Free Throw Competition participation and hosted the District-level event attended by all the Councils in the District. This Council held several enchilada dinners to raise funds for Council activities, participated in Knights Masses, held a Council Christmas Party, and provided financial support to religious who belong to or support the Parish. The Council provides sponsorship, planning support, and manpower for the annual Our Lady of Guadalupe festival in South Omaha, and maintains involvement in all aspects of Parish life. Of particular note, the Council has a very active and responsive network supporting the widows of deceased Brother Knights. Council 11879 – Council 11879 continued with their tradition of holding Lenten Fish Dinners for the community, exceeding attendance records again this year. The income from these dinners as well as the monthly pancake feeds and/or spaghetti dinners supports the numerous contributions to the Parish, school, community and charitable causes. This Council continued its participation in both the Soccer and Free Throw Competitions. They support four seminarians through the RSVP program, contribute time and money through the Tootsie Roll drive and the One Rose-One Life Campaign. Council 11879 is a tremendous supporter of Catholic education, sponsoring scholarship programs at St Matthew School as well as to incoming freshmen attending a Catholic High Schools. These summaries are just a small sample of the dedicated service, charity, fraternal activities, faith- based efforts and prayer offered by the more than 1300 Brother Knights in the Councils of District 5. I continue to visit each council on a regular basis, preferably on a monthly basis for their General Membership Meetings, and have maintained effective communication with Grand Knights and other Council representatives to ensure information and key decisions are disseminated. I attended the Leadership Seminar in Kearney in July as well as the December Winter Meeting held in LaVista. In addition to my duties as the District 5 DD, I assisted in putting on the Region 1 Soccer Challenge, and led the planning and execution of the Region 8 Free Throw Challenge at Skutt High School. I have held two district meetings following the Leadership Seminar and Winter Meeting, in August and January, respectively. To assist in managing a District of this size, this year I appointed Brother Paul Galloway as the District Warden. He is able to represent the State and Supreme Council to our local Councils on nights when there are multiple meetings or schedule conflicts preclude my attendance. I am honored to have opportunity to serve as District Deputy for the largest District in the Nebraska Jurisdiction. I would like to thank our Priests, State Officers, Insurance Agents and Program Directors for their guidance and support I would like to close with a special thanks to the Councils of District 5 for their support and hospitality they provided to me and my family at the various events and activities held across the District this past year. It is a rewarding and humbling experience to have the privilege to work with so many dedicated and faithful Knights. Respectfully submitted, Thomas Medara
District 6 Worthy State Deputy Rich Lowery, State Officers, District Deputies, Grand Knights and delegates to the State Convention. I respectfully submit my report for the 2013-2014 fraternal year as District Deputy #6. District #6 consists of Council 7034 Fr. John Brock, St John's in Valley; Council 10047, Fr. John V. Wallace, St Patrick's in Gretna; Council 10894, St Joseph's in Springfield and Council 14077, St Charles Borromeo in Gretna. All newly elected officers of Councils 7034, 10047, 10894 and 14077 were installed and instructed in their duties and obligations as leaders of their councils. I attended the Grand Knight Seminar and the Midwinter meeting. As well as, most of the Council meetings and Council sponsored events in District 6. During the past fraternal year, the councils of District 6 attended two district meetings at which officers from all councils were present. Both meetings were hosted by Council 10894 Springfield. Fr. Troy Schweiger attended the winter meeting on January 23rd. Since July 1, 2013, five First Degree exemplifications were held in District 6 which added 29 new members. Council 14077 St Charles Borromeo held a Major Degree exemplification on October 14, 2013. Council 10047 St Patrick's in Gretna held a Major Degree exemplification on November 24, 2013. District 6 has another Major Degree exemplification scheduled for June 8, 2014 at Council 10894 St Joseph's Springfield. District 6 Councils are very prompt in submitting their required reports and their support of the order is exemplary. Participation is very high in the programs of the order, such as, One Rose, One Life; Youth Programs; Tootsie Roll Drive; Coats for Kids; Habitat for Humanity, Food for Families. The Councils of District 6 also participate in many community sponsored humanitarian activities by donating food and funds to the less fortunate.
I am honored to serve as District Deputy to such worthy Councils.
Respectfully Submitted Dennis Schmidt
District 7 Vacant
District 8 Worthy District Deputy, Richard Lowery; Fellow District Deputies and Brother Knights. I respectfully submit my report for District 8 which consists of Councils 1723 of Beatrice, 10000 of Steinauer, and 14320 of Cortland. All three Councils have been active in their respective parishes and communities the past year. I have attended several Council Meetings and Parish functions in their respective churches. I have been in contact with all Councils by phone, mail and e-mail. All three Councils participated in the following: 1) Pro-Life, One Rose One Life, 2) the Marian Program dedicated to Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception. It was held in conjunction with week-end masses with good attendance reported. Council 1723 celebrated 100 years as a Council on February 20 with a mass and meal following. The Double Star Council Award for 2013 was presented to the Council by Supreme Director, Mike Conrad during the evening celebration. Council 1723 held three 1st degree exemplifications for the District using Council 1723 Degree Team. A major exemplification was held by Council 1723. The Council had several new members, who later transferred to the new Council in Odell. Council 10000 helped with money raising efforts for the repair and decoration of St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Steinauer. Council 14320 provided assistance for a fellow Knight who lost his home in a fire; participated in the free throw contest; moved a donated piano to the Schoenist Sisters Chapel, Crete. Council 2967 of Wymore remains inactive.
Respectfully submitted Kenneth Brockman
District 9 Worthy State Deputy Rich Lowery, State Officers, Fellow District Deputies, State Directors, Delegates and Brother Knights. I respectfully submit my report for District Numbers 9, which consist of Councils 833, 9704, 11001, and 13015 of Lincoln. All four of the councils have complied with State and Supreme laws and rules of our order. The councils have completed all audits and Fraternal Survey Reports. Throughout this year these councils have operated to the best of their ability, achieving success as leaders within their respective parishes. These councils have held numerous fundraisers, both large and small, provided fellowship, and supported their parishes and their priests. This past year I attended most of the council meetings, and two District meetings. These meetings were held in conjunction with Districts 10 and 34 in Lincoln. District number 9 held three major degrees this year. The District degree team, consisting of members from Councils 833 and 11001 participated in these major degrees. The District also held 9 first degrees bringing the total of 35 new members and 112.0% of membership. I want to thank all the councils for their hospitality and support throughout this past year. Also I would like to thank our insurance agents for District 9 for their hard work in helping out Knights with the Insurance questions. Jon Dunham and Steve Mattern have worked hard to promote the Knights. I would also thank Kevin Pfeifer and Tony Swanson for their support. Thanks again to Rich Lowery and all of the State Officers for their help and support through this past fraternal year. Respectfully submitted Mark Main
District 10 Worth State Deputy Rich Lowery, State Officers, Fellow District Deputies, State Directors, Delegates and Brother Knights. I respectfully submit my report for District #10, which consists of Councils 11280, 11312, 13576, and 15407 of Lincoln. All four of my councils have complied with the State and Supreme laws and rules of our Order. The councils have completed all audits and Fraternal Survey Reports. Throughout the year these councils have operated at the best of their abilities being successful leaders in their own councils’ and parish communities. Their projects and action of these members have supported their church, community, and their priest. No matter how small or large, simple or complex the project or activity, the members of theses council always step forward and get the job done. Over the past year, I have attended most all council meetings, and two District meeting held in conjunction with District #9 and District #34 in Lincoln, and numerous council events. Some of the Council activities in my District consist of the following – held numerous 1st degrees, attended at least 2 Major Degrees and council 11280 will be hosting a Major Degree in May, Coats for Kids, food donations to Catholic Social Services, hosted special services for the Marian Icon, Tree harvesting and construction of new church pews, numerous fundraisers, Soccer Challenge – Council 11280 hosted the District Soccer Challenge, Free Throw Contest – Council 11280 hosted the District Contest and 11312 hosted the Regional Contest, Fish Fries during Lent, Pro-Life activities, Firework Stands, Tootsie Roll Drive, and the list goes on. Currently I have two Councils that have attained their Star Council award. I would like to thank all of my Councils and fellow District Deputies for their assistance, support, and hospitality throughout my first year. You have made this year very enjoyable and look forward to the upcoming year. I would like to express thanks to my Knights of Columbus Field Agents – John Soukup, John Stoeckinger, and Jon Duham, along with Kevin Pfeifer, General Agent for Eastern Nebraska for their help and support. I also would like to say Thanks for the support, assistance, and guidance to Rich Lowery and all of his State Officers and Directors throughout this past fraternal year.
Respectfully Submitted, Rod Middagh
District 12 Worthy State Deputy Richard W. Lowery, State Officers, fellow District Deputies, Delegates and Brother Knights. I respectfully submit my report for District 12. The Councils of 1708 York, 8469 Seward, 11822 Exeter/Friend, and 14508 Beaver Crossing/Utica, are very active in their church and communities and have complied with Supreme and State laws and rules. Each council has shown me great hospitality, for which I am grateful. Council 1708 York celebrated the 100th anniversary of their charter as a council.. They have been involved in many fund raising events. Council 8469 Seward continues its monthly pancake breakfast, which they have been doing for over ten years. The profits fund their college scholarship program. This Lenten season they also served two fish fry events for the parish. Council 11822 and 14508 keep adding to their activities. They are good smaller groups with solid core of Knights. District 12 has an active and growing 4th degree assembly, providing Honor Guard for over 10 different events. I would like to thank SD Richard Lowery for allowing me to serve District 12.
Respectfully submitted, Terry Wehrs
District 13 Worthy State Deputy, State Officers, District Deputies and Grand Knights to the 2013 Nebraska State Convention, St. John the Baptist, Council #10305, of Fort Calhoun has been extremely active. Their many activities include making needed repairs to the home of a deceased brother Knight. They have been very instrumental in the landscaping of the Parish Hall. The Knights sponsor a pancake feed during the annual Fort Calhoun antique tractor show with the proceeds donated to the Fort Calhoun Museum. They held their second annual “Help Thy Neighbor Day “. There was a date chosen in which brother Knights and youth of the parish went to specific homes in Fort Calhoun. These homes were chosen based on the residents’ inability to perform upkeep and yard maintenance themselves. The Knights held their annual Big Red Night fundraiser that netted roughly $7,000 for the council. The council purchased and handed out 100 Rosary CD’s in their Parish. They’ve participated in the yearly Tootsie Roll Drive for the Handicapped and Coats for Kids. The council is compiling a book (Mission to India). The future proceeds from the sale of these books will be given to mission work in India. The council held a major fundraiser for Isaac Pfeifer of Norfolk. The young football player was severely injured while participating in a football game against the Fort Calhoun high school football team. The Knights and the community came together in a big way for this young man and his family. When all said and done Council #10305 was able to present the Pfeifer family checks totaling $47,000. St. Francis Borgia Council #10412 of Blair is a small but active council. They’ve been busy with several activities which include the following: One Rose One Life, Pancake Feeds, Highway Cleanup, annual Tootsie Roll Drive, Basketball Free Throw Contest, Right to Life Prayer Chain and Prolife Art Contest. They also help out at the local recycling center and sponsor Lenten Fish Fries. The council is working at building up its council membership and at getting more of their members involved in activities and council meetings. St. Thomas Aquinas Council #3736 of North Bend is busy also. They participate in the annual One Rose One Life campaign, annual Basketball Free Throw Contest, annual Spaghetti Feed and Lenten Fish Fries. The council holds an annual Blue Rock shoot for members and area shooters. They make annual donations to Catholic Radio, their Parish and community from their fundraisers. Phil Sheridan Council #1497 of Fremont stays very busy. The council is involved in many activities which include the following: pancake breakfasts are held on the last Sunday of the month September through April. In addition, a pancake breakfast fundraiser is held in May to benefit Camp Quality (a camp for kids with cancer). They sponsor their Lenten Fish Fries, the annual Halloween Dance for the handicapped and the Widows Brunch in November. Council members participate in the annual Tootsie Roll Drive and the One Rose One Life Campaign, the Right to Life Prayer Chain and the annual basketball free throw contest. Knights from council #1497 painted the interior of a Habitat for Humanity Home in Fremont. Several Knights came to the aid of a young family relocating to Fremont from Lincoln. The Knights helped this family move into its new home. A Corporate Communion is held and a rosary is prayed before the 9:00 a.m. service once every three months. They conduct their highway cleanups twice a year. The Knights continue with a Walking Rosaries for its deceased members. Youth related activities of council #1497 include sponsoring two summer ball teams, (one for boys, one for girls) they hold an Easter Egg Hunt every spring. In addition they participate in the annual Trunk N Treat event for area youth during the Halloween season.
Respectfully Submitted Raymond A. Mann
District 14 No report received. Allen Koliha, PSD
District 15 Worthy State Deputy Richard Lowery, State Officers, Fellow District Deputies, State Directors, Delegates and Brother Knights. I respectfully submit my Spring 2014 report for District # 15, which consists of Councils 1309 Emerson, 3844 South Sioux, 8579 Wayne, and 9939 Ponca all in Northeast Nebraska. All councils have complied with the State and Supreme laws and rules of our order. All councils have completed State reports. Throughout this past year these councils have conducted many activities in the areas of Church, Community, Council, Family and Youth. All of these councils have organized several fund raising activities, provided fellowship, and supported their parishes and priest. Several councils had surprisingly great successes in Parish fund raising. Councils 1309 Emerson and Council 3844 South Sioux had Friday evening fish fries during Lent with great turn outs. This year I have attended most council meetings and several activities. District meetings were held in Omaha and Norfolk. Council 8579 hosted the District and Regional Free Throw Contests. Council 8579 1st Degree members have assisted the Council 3844 1st Degree team. Councils 3844, 8579 and 9939 have recruited new candidates to area major exemplifications this past year. A major Degree was held at Council 8579 in Wayne on February 16, 2014. The Council 8579 Wayne Degree team performed the 1st Degree Exemplification for the April 6, 2014 Major Degree at West Point, NE. Two Council 8579 Council members also received their 4th Degree at the West Point Exemplification on April 6. I want to thank all of the councils for their gracious hospitality and support this past year. I would like to thank Craig Pfeifer, Field Agent for his support for our Northeast Nebraska Councils with award winning results. Craig Pfeifer has attended several area Council meetings, activities and has taken on First Degree Team officer support for Council 8579. I wish to express my thanks and gratitude to State Deputy Richard Lowery, State Officers, my fellow District Deputies, State Directors, and State Executive Secretary Ray Guggenberger for their help and support throughout this year.
Respectfully Submitted, Alan F. Finn
District 16 No report received. Roman Sudbeck
District 17 Worthy State Deputy Richard Lowery, State Officers, Supreme Officer, fellow District Deputies, Grand Knights, and delegates to the State Convention of the Knights of Columbus and Brother Knights. I respectfully submit my report for District 17. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve this past year as District Deputy. I am proud to report that all the councils that are in my district, consisting of councils 1793 Norfolk, 1238 Creighton, 7550 Neligh, 11054 Pierce, and 12517 Battle Creek, have been very active and have indeed exemplified the true meaning of Charity, Unity, and Fraternalism of our order. Each council has participated in many events which have benefited council, church, and community. They have all been extremely generous in their works of charity toward those most in need. Council 1793 has done an excellent job through out the year with many projects that have benefited the council, church and council, with fish fries to raise funds for the council, Bingo and rent from the use of their hall. This money going is in the support of their many projects including, church, youth, community, pro-life, and many more important causes and projects. The Council also has a certified first degree team as well as a certified Second Degree team. The council supports new membership by assisting other councils with exemplifications. Council 1793 hosted a major explication in March which brought in 27 new members. Council 1238 Creighton has done well in supporting their church community by continuing in the support of the parochial grade school as well as many projects in their community. They have raised money with fish fry’s and hamburger cook outs, as well as doing parish breakfasts in support of parish needs. Council 7550 is active each year by raising money with an annual Ham and Beef Supper to raise money for the many council projects. A Seminarian Breakfast was held to raise money for the RSVP program. This council is active in programs for the mentally challenged, right to life, and youth programs. This council also takes pride in that a young member of the council is now in a seminarian program studying for the priesthood. Council 11054 Pierce has done an outstanding job in showing their support to the church community by helping maintaining the church and parish hall. They have done continuous work in supporting the youth programs and the CCD programs in their parish. They are very supportive of each other and the families of the parish and council. This council maintains an active council with the attendance of a large group of members taking an active role in the meetings. Council 12517 Battle Creek is well and active. They have been successful with their fish fries in raising money to support their parish and their CCD program which is held in a building especially for the purpose of elementary religious education. They also take an active role in promoting programs set up by supreme and state councils. They had an active membership drive that resulted in 3 new members. All the councils in District 17 participate in One-Rose One Life, The Free throw Contest, and many of the programs which benefit their councils as well as the State and Supreme Councils. I would like to thank State Deputy Richard Lowery for allowing me to serve him and the state council as District Deputy and to the State Officers and Program Directors for their support to District 17 and myself and to my councils for their continuous support and understanding.
Respectfully submitted, Robert Hauser
District 18 No report received. Allan Kluthe
District 19 State Deputy Rich Lowery and my Brother Knights of Nebraska attending the 109th convention, I respectfully submit my report for District 19. The district consists of Councils 938, 9264, and 12086 of Columbus, and 2716 of Schuyler. The council officers were duly installed and instructed on the duties of their offices. All councils hosted a number of first degrees, and Council 9264 hosted a major degree in March. I have attended most of the council meetings, and have hosted district meetings as needed. My wife and I enjoyed attending banquets and fundraisers sponsored by the District 19 councils. I attended the Grand Knights seminar in July. All four councils participated in One Rose-One Life, Tootsie Roll, Keep Christ in Christmas, Free Throw, Soccer and RSVP programs. District free throw was held in Columbus, with the regional in Schuyler. Soccer districts were in Columbus. All four councils have active 1st degree exemplification teams. All councils have many additional ongoing projects, which gives all their members the opportunity to be active in their council. I appreciate the opportunity to have served as District Deputy for these four years.
Respectfully submitted, Larry Miksch
District 20 Worthy State Deputy Richard Lowery, Fellow District Deputies, State Directors, Delegates and Brother Knights, I respectfully submit my report for District #20, which consists of Council # 1312-Greeley, 1739 - Albion, 7699 - Lindsay, 7825 - St. Edward, and 10607-Genoa. All councils, to the best of my knowledge, I have complied with the State and Supreme laws and rules of our order. The councils have completed all audits and Fraternal Survey Reports. I feel they have served their church and community well. This year I have attended most of the council meetings. All five of the Councils had a free throw contest. Council #7699 – Lindsay held our Districts free throw contest. All councils have some form of fund raising and have all had new members add to their roster. Council 10607 had 13 new members. I would like to thank all the Councils for helping me out with their good reports and getting them in on time. I would also like to thank the state offices for their help and support over the year for this is my first year and did not know what to expect of this District Deputy job. A big thanks to Executive Secretary Ray Guggenberger. He answered a lot of my questions over the year. Respectfully, Dan Rosno
District 21 No report received. Shawn Kai
District 22 No report received. Donald Batenhorst
District 23 Worthy State Deputy Richard Lowery, State Officers, Fellow District Deputies, State Directors, Delegates and Brother Knights. I respectfully submit my Spring 2014 report for District # 23, which consists of Councils 1904 Hebron, 1906 Lawrence, 7714 Superior. All councils have complied with the State and Supreme laws and rules of our order. All councils have completed State reports. Throughout this past year these councils have conducted many activities in the areas of Church, Community, Council, Family and Youth. All of these councils have organized several fund raising activities, provided fellowship, and supported their parishes and priest. Several councils had surprisingly great successes in fund raising, for great projects such as Council 7714 at Superior with Coats for Kids, and a Christmas fund this year. This brought the Council members together for a great time and helped the needy in the area. They also had a great membership growth increase , they have 14 new members. Council 1904 at Hebron continued to have large successful Friday Fish Fries during Lent this past season. All three of my councils support and participate in televised Mass for the shut ins. Council 1904 in Hebron continued to support seminarians with their Adopt a Seminarian program. This year I have attended most council meetings and several activities. Hebron council 1904 had the local Free Throw Contests in Hebron also they had the district contest. The Regional Free Throw Contest was held in Doniphan. Council 1904 continued its 1st Degree Team and assisted with 1st degree in Superior. I want to thank all of the councils for their gracious hospitality and support this past year. I would like to thank field agent Larry Havranek for his outstanding efforts of support to all our District Councils this past year. Larry goes all out with fraternal services to the two councils that he serves in my district and also the help he has provided for me. I wish to express my thanks and gratitude to State Deputy Richard Lowery, State Officers, my fellow District Deputies, State Directors, and State Executive Secretary Ray Guggenberger for their help and support throughout this year.
Respectfully Submitted, David Wiedel
District 24 Worthy State Deputy, Officers, Directors and brothers. District 24 includes Kearney 1728 St James, Kearney 10923 Prince of Peace, Lexington 2040, and Elm Creek, Amherst, Overton 12687. Since last year we have had two district meetings in Kearney. As DD I have attended all the State of Nebraska events. We have scheduled one 1st degree per month since August 2013 with all the councils assigned. This only happens if someone is to be initiated. All councils participate in the TV Mass productions when they are assigned and pay the per capita for the showing. They all do tootsie roll, one rose, and most of the youth programs. 1728 St James of Kearney has recently remodeled the hall at 1900 Central Ave, and on March 22 held a 100 anniversary attended by Supreme, State and city dignitaries. Other events of 1728 are breakfasts, bingo, super bowl, special Olympics, parades, fish fry and church ministry. 10923 Prince of Peace in Kearney hosted the Silver Rose, church dinner, breakfasts, Christmas for religious, fish fry, memorial flags, and parades. 2040 Lexington council is active in church ministry, coffee and rolls, Golf tournament and vocation support. 12687 "Fr Robert Foster Jubilee" council has been doing a great job with the free throw contest. They are also active helping the parish priest Fr Jose. They held a one Rose, and passed out rosary cards, help upkeep the cemetery and raise funds with a soup supper. They support the local clergy with cards and offerings at Christmas and support the vocations fund. The most difficult thing we all confront is a loss of phone numbers and addresses of brother knights, if we do not find a cure I fear we may lose membership. Personal contact is the only way to retain and encourage men to be active knights. Someone help our cause.
Respectfully submitted Jim Dubas
District 25 My District includes Broken Bow 2388; Ord 2292; Loup City 5455; and Spalding 13584. I installed new officers in councils 2292 and 13584, held fall and mid-winter meetings with my councils, with State Secretary Tony Hergott attending our midwinter meeting in Ord. Our council purchased 73 cases of tootsie rolls. Each council in my district held a free throw contest-in which Broken Bow held the district free throw contest. I attended State Convention and leadership meetings this year. I tried to attend meetings in district 25 every quarter, attended Loup City 5455 50th anniversary for their council, Broken Bow and Ord ladies night, I presented Broken Bow Star Council award and Loup City Founders and Fr McGivney award. Thank you for your trust in me for continuing to serve as Nebraska District Deputy 25 these last two years.
Respectfully submitted, Allan Rolf
District 26 No report received. John Mathis District 27 Worthy State Deputy Richard Lowery, State Officers, District Deputies, Grand Knights and delegates to the 109th State Convention held in Kearney, Nebraska. I respectfully submit my report for District 27 consisting of Councils 6385 Fr. Robert Barry of Ainsworth/Bassett, and Council 4633 St. Nicholas of Valentine. Councils 7988 Gordon and 10406 Mullen are both suspended. Council 6385- Fr. Robert Barry participates in the One Rose One Life, Buck a month, and tootsie roll campaigns. We give $500 dollars a year to a seminarian, $500 scholarship to a graduating senior going on to college, $500 to the Knights foundation, $500 to the TOTUS TUUS program this year and we donate our share of the tootsie roll money to our local Special Olympics chapter. The Knights sponsor coffee and rolls after mass on the first Sunday of the month. We have an annual steak fry for all the families and the widows of past Knights in conjunction with the installation of officers each year and a Christmas party for the knights and their wives. Fish fries during lent are our main source of revenue. Council 4633 – St. Nicholas have adopted two miles of Hwy 20 which they clean twice a year. Have a memorial mass for the Knights with volunteers to participate for all the parts. Cook breakfast on the first Sunday of the month Oct – May also for first communion and Mother’s day. Annual fish fry during lent. Have both cornhusker and Monday night football book pools. Staff the beer garden for the Ag society at the 4th of July demolition derby and both county fair rodeo performances. Award scholarships for graduating catholic seniors, Donated $250 fire department $250 to local food pantry, $300 Thomas Moore Society $250 to the Nuns who lost their possessions in an apartment fire. The Knights of St. Nicholas keep themselves very busy and very generous with their time. Please accept this report for District #27.
Respectfully submitted, James Arens
District 28 No report received. Bruce Mendenhall
District 29 Worthy State Deputy Richard Lowery, State Officers, District Deputies, Grand Knights and delegates to the 109th State Convention held in Kearney, Nebraska: I respectfully submit my report for District 29 consisting of Council 2373 Orleans, Council 2693 Indianola, Council 7734 Arapahoe/Cambridge, and Council 8590 Holdrege. All four councils have participated in One Rose - One Life, Marian Prayer Program, and the Tootsie Roll Drive, as well as many other family, church, community, and council activities. The Holdrege Council hosted Second/Third Degrees Exemplification on January 26th. The Indianola Council hosted the District Free Throw Contest on February 9th. All of the Councils are current with their assessments. Two new Financial Secretaries were appointed and began serving mid-year – for the Indianola and Orleans Councils. It is both a pleasure and honor to serve as District Deputy for such active and supportive Councils.
Respectfully submitted, Tony Anderson
District 30 Worthy State Deputy Richard Lowery, Worthy State Officers, Worthy Bishops, William Dendinger, George Lucas, and James Conley, and delegates to the 108th annual state convention. April 25-27 2014 Kearney Nebraska. I respectfully submit the annual report of district 30, 1126 McCook, 7081 Imperial, 7778 Grant- Elsie, and 10163 Benkelman-Stratton. I attended the summer training seminar in July and mid-winter meeting as well. We hosted a winter regional district meeting in McCook in January for district 24, 28, 29, and 30. Held the district free throw contest in Wauneta in February, regional free throw in McCook in March. Held a Major degree in McCook in February. I attended monthly council meetings throughout the district as many as I could, and held installation of officers as well. Each council participated in the tootsie roll drive, Life chain, free throw contest, RSVP, one rose one life, and Marion Hour of Prayer, with some having poster and essay contest as well. All the councils participated in many church, council, family, and community activities and I'm very proud of all the council’s active involvement in their church and communities. Council 7081 opened a new thrift store in Imperial and had it dedicated by Bishop Conley. Council 7778 supports the seminarian from Grant. Council 10163 has scholarships for high school graduates, and Council 1126 raises a tremendous amount of money to support the Catholic grade school in McCook. I would like to thank all the council officers for their effort to keep the council reports and per capita current and keeping their councils active. Lastly I would like to thank all the state officers and directors for their guidance and patience to help me fulfill my duties as DD. It is an honor to serve the Supreme and state councils of the Knights of Columbus.
Respectfully Submitted Kent Lorens
District 31 MEMBERSHIP: 428; QUOTA: 31; NET GAIN: 4; INS. QUOTA: 14; NET GAIN: -4 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ COUNCIL No.: 1861 ; STATUS: In Good Standing ; LOCATION: Sidney NAME OF COUNCIL: Msgr. Anton Link Council MEMBERSHIP: 168; QUOTA: 11; NET GAIN: 2; INS. QUOTA: 4; NET GAIN: 0 PROS: This council is moderately active. They hold regular scheduled meetings each month. They have scheduled pancake feeds with defined charities. They held a fish fry for the first Friday of Lent after the Stations donating the proceeds to the Rice Bowl. They participated in the Rosary for Religious Freedom on March 25. They participated in the One Rose One Life campaign and were one stop in August 2013. They are giving away three $500.00 scholarships to deserving Catholic High School Seniors this May. In addition, they contributed $4,000 to St. James Catholic Radio of Sidney as matching funds for the support of the new LP-FM station. They have held breakfast’s at each Roundtable councils to assist financially with their CCD program. They are currently planning to do all the cooking for the 100th Anniversary of one of their Round Tables, Sacred Heart Church in Peetz Colorado. They participated in the Free Throw Contest but not the Soccer Challenge. They participated in the Tootsie Roll drive. They have held 5 First Degrees since July. Reports are usually submitted on time. CONS: The meetings are haphazardly run. The Grand Knight does not follow the meeting format. Even with request to do so by other members and the DD. He refuses to enforce the wearing of the Jewels during the meetings, but has begun wearing them during the past several meetings. Many times during the meeting he makes the decision rather than holding a vote by the council. He is very hot headed and has a tendency to become angry at suggestions made by brother Knights. He as on several occasions become an embarrassment to the Council by his degrading comments to the DD. I was going to remove him from the position of Grand Knight but was discouraged to do so by a State family member. The trustees can’t seem to find a replacement and he has agreed to stay on for other year. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ COUNCIL No.: 4867; STATUS: In danger of suspension; LOCATION: Kimball NAME OF COUNCIL: St. Joseph Council MEMBERSHIP: 49; QUOTA: 4; NET GAIN: 0; INS. QUOTA: 3; NET GAIN: 0 PROS: They held one spaghetti fund raising dinner. CONS: They are not a very active council. Neither the Grand Knight nor the Financial Secretary is effective. He states he can’t get members to the meetings but I have not seen any mailers encouraging or reminding members that a meeting is being held. In fact, I haven’t seen any notices of meetings from that council since I took over in 2012. They usually participate in the Free Throw Contest but didn’t this year. They are not on line for Star Council. They do not work on increasing their membership at all. Reports are rarely submitted on time and they fall behind on their per Capita. The Grand Knight and Financial Secretary should attend a seminar. I have made attempts to attend meetings but something always come up that the meeting is either canceled or weather prohibits the meeting. On three occasions this winter, I either cancelled my trip to Kimball or turn around and return to Sidney. During the farming months they do not meet. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ COUNCIL No.: 10285 ; STATUS: In good standing; LOCATION: Gering NAME OF COUNCIL: Christ the King Council MEMBERSHIP: 168; QUOTA: 12; NET GAIN: 2; INS. QUOTA: 4; NET GAIN: -1 PROS: This council is very active. Their meetings are run very well. The Parish Priest takes a very active role in the Council as Chaplain. However, he is retiring this year. They follow the meeting guidelines and wear the Jewels of the office. They hold regular scheduled meetings every month. They have scheduled breakfast feeds and with definite charities. They hold First Degree’s for Council 12200 when needed. They participated in the Freedom of Religion on March 25th. They participated in the One Rose One Life campaign. They participated in the Tootsie Rolls drive. They gave away one $500.00 scholarships to a deserving Catholic High School Senior. They participated in the Free Throw Contest and held the district contest. They have held one major Degree since July. They participated with 2681 for a 2nd, 3rd, & 4th Degrees. Reports are usually submitted on time. CONS: Their membership drive is poor. I am sure there are men in that location they could attract. They are having issues with their FS and are in the process of replacing him. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ COUNCIL No.: 12200 ; STATUS: Pending Suspension ; LOCATION: Scottsbluff NAME OF COUNCIL: S.E.R.C. Guadalupe Council MEMBERSHIP: 43; QUOTA: 4; NET GAIN: 0; INS. QUOTA: 3; NET GAIN: -1 PROS: The Council was reactivated in 2013 after being suspended since 2009. They meet regularly every month but don’t have a lot of attendance. They had a good fund raiser in October. CONS: They are struggling with paying their per-Capita and are currently pending suspension. They are really struggling with new members. The pastor does not appear to be very supportive.
Respectfully Submitted, Jim Pelster
District 32 Worthy State Deputy Richard Lowery, Worthy State Officers and Directors, District Deputies, Chairman, Delegates, and Brother Knights assembled for our annual State Convention in Kearney. I respectfully submit my report from District 32, the Pride of the Panhandle. My District includes Councils 975 – Alliance, 1128 – Chadron, 2681 – Scottsbluff, and their ten Round Table Councils. All officers have been duly installed and instructed in their duties and obligations. I have attended their Council meetings along with other special events that the Councils have held. I have also attended all the State held meetings over the past fraternal year. All three Councils and many of their Round Tables participated in the One Rose-One Life and Tootsie Roll drives along with the Free Throw Championship. Council 975 hosted the District shoot off and did a great job. The regional for Districts 27-31-32 were held in Scottsbluff, hosted by Council 2681 and at both attendance was good. All Councils are heavily involved in their communities along with their Parishes. This has been very tough for recruiting but I believe that Council 2681 has a good shot at achieving Star Council. Two of the Councils have first year Grand Knights and with the help of their officers and directors, they have done a very good job. They have all been active with their Round Tables, holding programs at the Parishes that have been helpful. Some even are having Lenten Fish Fries with the proceeds going to the Parishes for programs that they sponsor. This has been a special year for me as Council 2681 has a new Knight. My Grandson, Tyler Wolf, is now a Third Degree Knight, giving our Council 4 generations of Knights in the same Council. My son, David Wolf, has also become active in the Council. He designed and hosts the Council’s Facebook page and is also the Council’s public relations Director. I want to thank everyone at State that have been so helpful to me over the past year and hope to continue the good work that our Councils are doing. A special thanks to Executive Secretary Ray Guggenberger, whose guidance and friendship means the world to me. Go Bearcats and Eagles. Respectfully submitted, Robert Wolf
District 33 Worthy State Deputy Richard W. Lowery, State Officers, Fellow District Deputies State Directors, Delegates and Brother Knights. I respectfully submit my Spring 2014 report for District # 33, which consists of councils 652, 10184, 11364, and 11800 all of Omaha Nebraska. All councils have complied with the State and Supreme laws and rules of our order. Most councils have completed State reports. Throughout this past year these councils have conducted many activities in the areas of Church, Community, Council Family and Youth. All councils have organized several fund raising activities, providing fraternity, and good works. Council 652 has promoted a number of special activities, such as the Knights Night at the Storm Chaser’s Baseball game, the Ring Toss at the Mount Michael Festival. Annually this council conducts a “Sister Appreciation Luncheon” to honor nuns who have supported the Catholic Church and schools. Council 10184 conducts Fish Fry’s during Lent alternating Fridays with Our Lady of Lourdes. They conduct Pancake Breakfasts, and Dinners: the dinners are combined with Bingo games to attract parishioners. They also conduct Corporate Breakfasts to support community. Council 11364 joins with parishioners for the Holy Cross house build with habitat for Humanity. The council also supports Holy Cross High Schools girls travel expenses to the Pro-Life “March for Life” in Washington DC. Council 11800 conducts a spaghetti dinner and several pancake breakfast for fund raisers. Support for the parish “The Feast” is given by providing leadership, workers and financial support to the program which twins with Guadalupe-Assumption for raising funds. I have attended most council meetings and several activities since I have been DD. District meetings were held in Omaha. All councils have conducted Free Throw Contests. Council 11800 was the only council to conduct a Soccer Shootout. Councils 652 and 11364 have had several 1st Degree Exemplifications throughout the year. Council 652 conducted a major exemplification with over 20 new 2nd and third degree members. Council 11800 conducted a Family Fun Night focused on parish youth, but also introduces Dads to the Knights of Columbus as a recruiting effort. The field agents assigned these councils have been active in their support of their councils bringing in new members and providing information of interest to members on the Knights of Columbus national and local activities and insurance. I appreciate support I have received from councils, members and state officers.
Respectfully Submitted, Gene H. Kuhn
District 34 No report received. David Moffitt
District 35 Worthy State Deputy, State Chaplain, State Officers, delegates and members assembled for the 109th Annual State Convention of the Nebraska State Council of the Knights of Columbus. I respectfully submit my report for Nebraska District 35, comprised of Councils 9771 "St. Elizabeth Ann", 10795 "St. Vincent DePaul", 10909 "St. Wenceslaus", and 14914, "Saint Patrick’s Church in Elkhorn". District 35 covers northwestern Omaha and the city of Elkhorn, Nebraska. Councils 9771, 10795 and 10909 each have certified 1st degree teams. Councils 10795 and 10909 held several 1st degree exemplifications. Council 10909 hosted a major 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Degree on September 15, 2013 with 9 new first degrees, and 12 new major degrees. Each council had two or more participants at our District Meeting on July 19, 2013. Two field agents also attended this meeting. Focus was on the State Theme of One God, One Family -- expanding devotion to the Eucharist, fostering support of families, and building leadership. All four councils are "in good standing" as of this date. All Councils receive active and professional support from their assigned insurance agents. On June 12, 2013, State Deputy Jim Haiar presented Council 9771 at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton with its 25th Anniversary Award. This council again had strong participation in its soccer and free throw competitions. Council 9771 sent two delegates to our State Convention. Council 10795 of St. Vincent de Paul Parish installed a new slate of officers on July 9, 2013. This council led the district (as a percentage of quota) in both membership and insurance growth. Council 10795 earned the Star Council Award, presented on December 10, 2013. Council 10909 at St. Wenceslaus won Contest of Champions Award, for most new members in the state, for the third year running. This council installed its new officers with special mass on July 8, 2013. St. Wenceslaus received its Star Council Award on January 6, 2014. Council 10909 celebrated its 20th Anniversary this year, with a mass and dinner event for spouses. In Elkhorn, St. Patrick’s Council 14919 installed new officers on July 15, 2013. This Fall St. Pat’s again hosted a very successful rib feed for the parish. The Grand Knight attended our state leadership event in July. It has been an honor to serve the men of District 35.
Respectfully submitted, Craig M. Collins
District 36 Worthy State Deputy, District Deputies, Grand Knights and delegates to the 2014 State convention. District 36 currently includes the following active Councils. Council #6429 Archbishop Bergan in Papillion successfully hosted their 14th annual Wild Game Feed last February. In addition, they continue to work Pancake Breakfasts ten of the twelve months in the year. These events provide money for Charity in excess of $41,000. The Church, Community, Families, Youth and Pro-Life needs are all beneficiaries of these fundraisers. They also conducted very successful Free Throw and Soccer Challenge contests for the youth of parish. Well over 4,200 volunteer hours have been given by the members of this Council to Charity. Council #13080 Our Lady of Lourdes (Omaha) held a successful Intellectual Disability fund drive last fall. They participated in the One Rose/One Life prayer card distribution. Their Free Throw contest was well attended. This Council has worked hard in achieving 66% of membership target and is in contention for Star Council award. A new endeavor, Trivia Night, was well attended. Council #14403 Holy Name (Omaha) is in a state of transition. A new Financial Secretary has been appointed. The Council is anticipating election of new officer(s). They did participate in the One Rose/ One Life prayer card distribution last January. These men staffed concession stand for basketball tournament last season and also conducted a Free Throw contest for the youth. The 439 Knights in this District are very charitable men and believe in the ideals of the Order.
Respectfully submitted, Paul M. Delgado
District 37 It has been an honor to serve as District 37 Deputy for the past year. This district consists of councils; 1717 David City, 5383 Osceola, 11652 Bruno/Abie, 14423 Shelby and a new council in Bellwood, 15944, instituted on April 6, 2014. Officers were installed and instructed on their duties. District 37, Council 1717, hosted a major degree in Dec. All councils participated in tootsie roll drive, one rose one life, and the Immaculate Conception Icon program. I attended many council meetings and activities, state convention, Grand Knights seminar, Mid-winter meeting and other events. I worked with councils to get reports sent in. Tihen council 1717 celebrated their centennial on March 30, 2014 with mass and banquet.
Respectfully submitted, Peter J. Peil
District 38 No report received. Luke Benes
District 39 Worthy State Deputy, State Officers, fellow District Deputies, and brother Knights. I respectfully submit my report for District 39. The following councils are in the District: 4434 Fairbury, 7704 Crete, 7966 Wilber/Tobias, and 11737 Denton. All required reports to Supreme and State Council have been submitted and all assessments have been paid. The councils have established membership committees to seek new members with success to be seen in the coming months. All councils held their One Rose/One Life campaign and held an Intellectual Disability campaign. The District free throw shoot was held in Crete following their council shoot and eight shooters advanced to the regional. Three councils are hosting Lenten fish dinners and monthly pancake feeds. All four councils had their Grand Knights present for the district workshop in August and each council was represented in January. I have worked with the FS’s on individual skills. Supreme awards presented were: 4434 and 11737 received the Columbian award. State awards presented were: Council of the Year Division V-4434, Publicity Award 1st Place Division V- 4434, Ongoing Project-11737 and Special Project 11737. Denton established a council 1st Degree Team and conducted their initial 1st Degree on Feb 17 with three new members. I installed officers utilizing the revised ceremony at 4434 and 11737.
Respectfully submitted, Stephen L. Graff
District 40 Vacant
District 41 Worthy State Deputy Rich Lowery, State Officers, Supreme Officers, fellow District Deputies, Grand Knights, and delegates to the State Convention of the Knights of Columbus and Brother Knights. I respectfully submit my report for District 41. I consider it and honor to have served as District Deputy this past year. I am pleased to report that the councils in my district (Plattsmouth Council 1966, Nebraska City Council 3152, Syracuse Council 7614 and Ashland/Greenwood Council 12557) have been very active and have, without a doubt, exemplified the ideals of our order, i.e. Charity, Unity and Fraternalism. Each council has participated in activities that have benefited their communities, parishes and cast favorable light on the Knights of Columbus. Council 1966 helped with painting and repair projects in the Plattsmouth Parish Rectory. In addition, they have held monthly fund raisers to benefit various organizations or charities such as cancer walk, FOCUS, Essential Pregnancy Services, seminarian support and catholic high schools. They have provided support for various community projects, helped with parish fish fries, and supported the parish school bus with both funds and volunteer drivers. Council 3152 has been very busy helping with various projects to help raise money and provide support for the construction of the Lourdes School upgrade and expansion. They have provided much needed support in the community helping with various projects during the annual Apple Jack Festival and having a program donating over 500 lbs., of meat and other grocery items to local families in need. They held a Religious/Awards Appreciation Night honoring the priests and sisters working in their parishes and schools and honoring Knight and Family of the year. Council 7614 held a special breakfast for hunters with funds going to support local community sports complex for kids. They held fish fries during lent with most proceeds going to support an expansion project for their church and parish facilities. They have had projects to support the sisters working in their parish. They displayed their “Keep Christ in Christmas” sign in a prominent location during the Advent and Christmas season. During Lent they put up three crosses to represent Calvary. They raised funds to help support their youth who attended the pro-life march in Washington D.C. They held an appreciation dinner to honor their priest and all the Knights who have worked on the various projects in their council. Council 12557 held various fund raisers such as spaghetti dinners, breakfasts and fish fries with funds used to support both parish and community projects. They held an appreciation dinner for their members and priest. They made and sold various kinds of link sausage with funds going to support local youth group. All Councils displayed the travelling Icon, participated in One Rose - One Life campaign and art contest and the tootsie roll drive. All but 12557 participated in the free throw contest. I would like to express my thanks for the opportunity to serve these councils and to all State Officers for their support.
Respectfully submitted, Kenneth E Aylor
District 42 Worthy State Deputy, District Deputies, Grand Knights, to the 2014 State Convention. District 42 includes 4 active councils. Council #2272 ST. JOSEPH’S West Point is very active in various fundraisers for Guardian Angels & Central Catholics Schools and for St Mary’s, St Boniface, St. Aloysius, & St. Anthony. They continue with their breakfasts and fish fries, also participate in the One Rose/One Life and Tootsie roll Drives. They also hold a K C basketball winter league with about 80 kids involved and participate in the free throw contest. They also administered scholarships for high school graduates, and helped spearhead renovations in the schools. They also support a local seminarian Taylor Leffler. They also continue with the Living rosaries at Brother Knight Funerals. Council #15068 St. Patrick’s Tekamah is very active in fundraisers for their community with breakfasts and fish fries, One Rose One Life and Tootsie roll drive. The council went to great length in erecting an anti-abortion sign for the right to life. Council #11810 St. John the Baptist Pender is working hard in their parish to make an impact in the community and church. They are a small council but are trying hard to promote the Knight of Columbus through One Rose One Life and the Tootsie Roll Drives. They hold many fundraisers and have scholarships for graduating seniors, and also support families in their community with a disaster fund which they use often. Council #13496 Fr. Leo Wolpert Lyons is also instrumental in their fundraising efforts with breakfasts and other activities. They Hosted the District Free throw contest again this year. They also hold The One Rose One Life Campaign along with the Tootsie Roll Drive. They are also a small council in a small community and try to recruit new members.
Respectfully Submitted Gene Cihacek
Deputy Lowery called on Membership Director Don Ferneding, PSD for his annual report. Director Ferneding asked this report be entered into the proceedings without being read. Council 1723 so moved, seconded by Council 15101. Motion passed.
State Membership Activities
Membership Team Don Ferneding Director Michael Esselstein Associate Director Jeffrey Steffen Associate Director Donald Hegemann Associate Director Ignacio Cervantes Associate Director Michael Esselstein Associate Director
Worthy State Chaplain, State Deputy Lowery, State Officers, District Deputies, Directors and Chairmen and members of the Knights of Columbus greetings. The state membership team attended all required meetings scheduled by State Deputy Lowery and additionally participated in several ongoing video conferencing calls to organize and administer the state’s membership programs. As of May 27, 2014, we were at 85% of our Supreme quota with 799 new members. Seventeen Councils have met or exceeded their individual goals with an additional 13 at 70% or above. The membership team continues to call Council’s offering any needed assistance they may need in obtaining their individual goals. Nebraska has met their new Council membership quota of 2 with the creation of the Bellwood and Odell Councils. The entire team wishes to thank and extend our sincere appreciation to these two new councils and offer our help at any time. Our District Deputies have been very helpful in making membership an important part of keeping our fraternal organization as strong as it is. For this we thank them, especially Mark Main and Rodney Middagh who have met their membership goal and to Mark Keller and Dennis Schmidt both are in the 90th percentile as of May 1. The creation of roundtables continues to be a focus of the membership team as only 16 of the 65 needed to meet quota has been obtained. The state membership team will continue to prioritize roundtable creation and to analyze this issue. Within post-secondary educational institutions, membership remains an issue within the state of Nebraska, especially in the area of post-graduation retention. The membership team, along with the newly formed Director of College Activities, will continue to work with all post-secondary educational institutions to resolve the issue of losing track of graduating students and thus causing a large retention issue. Membership retention, in general, remains strong. The state of Nebraska is over 110% of their net membership quota. The entire team wishes to thank all Councils for their efforts in maintaining active members. We cannot have a strong state Council without strong individual councils. I wish to thank every council’s retention team for the work they have done this past year. Finally, I personally wish to thank the membership team for the dedication and efforts they have given the Knights of Columbus in the state of Nebraska. It is due to their efforts that another year of continued growth has been accomplished. Thank you and I look forward to working with each of you during the next fiscal year.
Fraternally, Don Ferneding, PSD, DM
Ceremonials Co-chairmen To our Worthy State Deputy, State Chaplain, State Officers, District Deputies, Program Chairman, Insurance Agents and Delegates to the 109th Annual Convention of the State Council of the Knights of Columbus assembled in Kearney, Nebraska: We wish to thank our Worthy State Deputy Rich Lowery and all the State Officers for the great support given us this past year. More councils are performing a First Degree. Councils now have the ability to conduct a First Degree by simply playing a DVD provided by Supreme. We have seven Second Degree Teams. The teams are from Bellevue, Kearney, Omaha, Lincoln, Norfolk, Sidney and Scottsbluff. This year Teams in Omaha, Kearney and Sidney were added. Seven Third Degree Teams are presently operating in our jurisdiction. We thank the current Third Degree Captains for their dedication to Fraternalism. The CO’s are Pat Dougherty Omaha, Bob Ostdiek Gretna, Dan Gilbert Scottsbluff, Gailen Kotrous Kearney and Kevin Ostdiek Lincoln. Mark Dwyer from Elgin and Rod Hofschulte from Omaha were added this year. We thank all the captains and their Team Members for giving up their Sundays in order to spread Fraternalism through the Third Degree Ceremony. 44 Major Degrees were scheduled this Fraternal Year. 9 Major Degrees were canceled. 35 Major Degrees were held in our jurisdiction this past fraternal year. This is a record number of Degrees held in our Jurisdiction. 390 candidates received the higher degrees. This is a decrease in the number of candidates making their Third degree last year. We had more degrees with less members attending. We need to change this. We wish to acknowledge the efforts of the District Deputies, Financial Secretaries, and Grand Knights for all their help in making the Degrees a reality in their councils. Thank you all. We wish we could see more members attending our degrees. This truly would show our candidates how much we support them. This summer in July, our State Deputy, State Ceremonial Co-Chairmen and all the Team Captains of the Second and Third Degrees will meet in Kearney to discuss concerns and to share ideas with everyone. The Ceremonial Co-Chairman will hold the minutes of this meeting. We wish to thank the dedicated members of our Degree Teams. They give so much of their time and effort to our Degree work. Again, it is a pleasure to serve our Worthy State Deputy Lowery. We thank him for giving us the opportunity. May God bless Rich, our work and all of you.
Respectfully submitted, Larry J. Reed, PSD James P. Noonen
Deputy Lowery called on Program Director Matthew Richardson for his report. Director Richardson requested that his report and that of his directors and chairmen be entered into the proceedings without being read. Council 2272 so moved, seconded by Council 4707. Motion passed.
Program Director Worthy State Deputy Richard W. Lowery, Worthy State Chaplain Rev. Troy Schweiger, Worthy Supreme Representative, Worthy Supreme Program Consultant Joe Pietrazinski, Worthy State Officers, Worthy District Deputies, State Directors, Chairman, Production Specialists and Brother Knights assembled in Kearney Nebraska, welcome to the 109th Annual Knights of Columbus State Convention. It has been an honor to serve as your State Program Director this year. I would like to thank State Deputy Richard Lowery for giving me the opportunity to serve in this capacity. I want to thank the State Officer’s for their encouragement and guidance throughout the year. As with any position of responsibility you have a team and I am blessed to have beside me the Directors, Chairmen, Support Staff, Production Specialists and our State Executive Secretary who gave of their time and talents for the betterment of our State and Councils. Their outstanding support and dedication displayed throughout my tenure is what makes our Program Team successful. I attended all meetings called by the State Deputy and presented updates to the status of the state for program activities. In July we assembled for our annual Leadership Seminar. The seminar was a great success due to a large number of Councils and District Deputies and financial Secretaries in attendance. We met in December for the Mid-Winter meeting in Omaha. The meeting was informative for the large number of District Deputies in attendance. The District Deputies were receptive and excited as we all listened to the information shared by the Membership Team; State Officer’s, and Program Team; Free- Throw medals, Pro-Life cards and Foundation information was distributed. In March the State Officer’s, select Directors/Chairmen and Production Specialists met at St. Gregory Seminary in Seward to select the annual award winners. My sincere appreciation goes out to my wife Connie for baking deserts for the meeting. The selection process was difficult due to the quality of reports and activities submitted. The State did a great job throughout the process scrutinizing the submissions in order to select the most worthy recipients. The 109th Annual State Convention was held in Kearney Nebraska on April 25th through April 27th 2014. Friday night awards were presented in many different categories including Tootsie Roll award recipients. The award recipients and all the nominees who were submitted strived to make our order grow by the many selfless acts they provided making our Order stronger to serve our families and communities, their truly an inspiration. Thanks go out to all who made this evening one to remember especially Don & Terri Hypse, Andrew Lowery, Patrick Lowery, Mitchell Lowery, Stephen Lowery and the Goodrich’s who labored the set-up and presentation aspect of the event. As I reflect back over the year, we planned and set goals for our team’s success. We reexamined the processes over the last couple of years for program improvements. We revised and fine-tuned the Program Log Book Reports and Service Programs to become more efficient to the Councils. In closing, I am humbled and proud to have held the position of your State Program Director. I am honored to have worked with what I know is one of the best Program Teams in the Knights of Columbus. As my journey continues as director I want to thank you for your support and friendship.
Respectfully Submitted, Matthew R. Richardson
Council Director Worthy State Deputy Rich Lowery, State Officers, State Directors, Delegates and Brother Knights attending the 109th Annual Convention in Kearney Nebraska on April 25th, 26th and 27th. I am very impressed with the nominations for KNIGHT OF THE YEAR. I received 20 quality brother knight applications. The lives these men lead is truly amazing. It is very difficult to pick just one winner. Major Activity Awards were also good with 62 this year. Our brother knights and councils were busy and do amazing work. At the State Award Selection Meeting held in Seward Nebraska in March Winners were chosen. My thanks to State Deputy Rich Lowery and State Program Director Matt Richardson for the Honor of Serving the Nebraska State Council and Nebraska Knights of Columbus.
Respectfully submitted, Jimmy Pokorny
Church Director 2013 – 2014 has been a learning experience for me as the State Church Director for the Nebraska Knights of Columbus. I want to thank Terry Fletcher for all of the help and information he provided for me in my assignment. It made my job easier. In July 2013 at the Leadership Seminar, I helped organize the 3 masses that were held on the weekend. I also ordered and dispersed 37 cases of Christmas Cards and other Keep Christ in Christmas materials to all of the councils and the Squires during the fall. The Councils and the Squires ordered about $9000 dollars of Christmas Cards and materials this year. I think there were only one or two ordering glitches. During the Fall I helped several Councils sell Christmas Cards by allowing them to use the Display that KCIC gives to the State to promote the sale of Christmas Cards. At the Midwinter Meeting in LaVista, I again helped with the mass setups at St. Gerald’s in Ralston. David Marx was very helpful in helping line up altar servers and a deacon to help with the service. I had several requests during the year from Councils trying to get information on how to find seminarians to support for the RSVP program. I was able to help them with providing a list of names and addresses from the Omaha Diocese. I met with the other Directors in March to decide on the State and Supreme Awards for Church Activities and 3 awards for Support of Catholic Education. I have been busy getting ready for the State Convention at the end of April, lining up the choir, the music, lectors, acolytes, altar servers for the Saturday night Mass. A special thank you to Rich and Gail Lowery, who have helped put together the Mass Booklet for the State Convention Saturday night mass. Thanks to David Marx for lining up Altar Servers for the mass and asking the Squires to say a rosary before the Sunday morning mass. A special thank you to Steve & Kathy Niedbalski for bringing the Choir from Prince of Peace in Kearney to sing at the Mass. Thanks to all of the Councils that purchased Christmas Cards and other Christmas materials in KCIC program. Thanks to my wife Mary who helped me with the sale of Christmas cards in Kearney last July and took many messages from Councils ordering Christmas Cards this past year.
God Bless and Vivat Jesus!
Respectfully submitted, Harry Tilley
Family Directors Worthy State Deputy Richard Lowery, State Officers, Delegates and Brother Knights attending the 109th Annual State Convention in Kearney, Nebraska, on April 25, 26, and 27, 2014. Our first year as State Family Directors has been an enjoyable and humbling, learning experience and we are honored to serve as directors. During the year, there were 41 Family of the Month reports submitted online from 19 Councils. Twelve Family of the Month winners from Nebraska were selected Supreme Council Awardees out of 64 submissions for the 2013-2014 fraternal year. We received 17 letters of nomination for the State Family of the Year award. After reading each letter and accompanying materials, we narrowed the field to four finalists. At the state awards meeting on March 22, 2014, in Seward, Nebraska, two honorable mentions and the first and second place winners were chosen. We wish to thank State Deputy Richard Lowery and State Program Director Matthew Richardson for the honor and opportunity to serve the state Knights of Columbus.
Respectfully submitted, Shawn and Caryn Scott
Youth Director Worthy State Deputy Richard Lowery, Worthy State Chaplain Rev. Troy Schweiger, Worthy Supreme Guests and Representatives, Worthy State Officers, Worthy District Deputies, fellow State Directors and Chairmen, Delegates and Brother Knights attending the 109th Annual State Convention in Kearney, Nebraska on April 25, 26 and 27, 2014. It has been an honor to serve as the State Youth Director for the 2013-2014 program year. My responsibilities as State Youth Director include overseeing the Knights of Columbus Substance Abuse and Awareness Poster Contest, overseeing the Knights of Columbus Soccer Challenge, overseeing the Knights of Columbus Free Throw Championship, determining the State and Supreme Award recipients for Youth Activities, and aiding the State College Director in determining the College Award recipient for Youth Activities. During the Summer Leadership Seminar, we discussed the timing, running, and function of each of these great Youth activities. Emphasis was placed on the Knights of Columbus Soccer Challenge, encouraging all councils to participate in this great activity to increase participation from across the state both at the Council and District Levels. Knights of Columbus Soccer Challenge This past year we increased the number of Districts in Nebraska participating in the Knights of Columbus Soccer Challenge, as well as increasing our total number of participants across the state to nearly 350 youth. This helped in an Order wide increase in participation in the Knights of Columbus Soccer Challenge. This past November nearly 50 participants showed up at Grand Island Central Catholic Middle/High School to participate in the State Level of the Knights of Columbus Soccer Challenge. Below is a list of the State Champions for Nebraska:
Boys Age Name City Council 9 Josh Guinan Lincoln 11280 10 Marco Alarcon Schuyler 2716 11 Hector Marentes Schuyler 9364 12 Trenten Theis Superior 7714 13 Nolan Hartman David City 1717 14 Colin Moriarty Omaha 9771
Girls Age Name City Council 9 Calie Booth Genoa 12086 10 Elizabeth Garcia Madison 8986 11 Anna Hoffman Papillion 6429 12 Logan Bennett Columbus 12086 13 Megan Pokorny La Vista 6429 14 Michelle Unruh Webber, KS 7714
Knights of Columbus Free Throw Championship Nearly all of the Districts in Nebraska participated in the Knights of Columbus Free Throw Championship this past year. We had an increase in participation across the state, bringing our total participation to nearly 1,000 youth. In early April, approximately 85 participants attended the State Level of the Knights of Columbus Free Throw Championship at the Lynn Farrell Arena at Hastings College. Below is a list of State Champions for Nebraska:
Boys Age Name City Council 9 Tanner Walling Wayne 8579 10 Tommy Dworak Lincoln 4923 11 Paxton Ross Cambridge 7734 12 Nick Chambers Omaha 10909 13 Nolan Sughroue Alliance 975 14 Conner Blum Howells 5439
Girls Age Name City Council 9 Reilly Palmer Omaha 10795 10 Allison Weidner Humphrey 1794 11 Morgan Maly Crete 7704 12 Kristin Ralston Gretna 10894 13 Paige Peters Bancroft 11810 14 Sarah Sinsel Holdrege 8590
Knights of Columbus Substance Abuse and Awareness Poster Contest Participation was down this year in the Knights of Columbus Substance Abuse and Awareness Poster Contest. We are already looking at some changes to help try and increase participation in this program across the state. This last year we added in a District Level for judging in order to reduce the number of entries I had to look through prior to judging them at the State Level. The winners of the Knights of Columbus Substance Abuse and Awareness Poster Contest can be found with the list of award recipients at the State Convention. We are continually looking for ways to help Councils and Districts in running these programs and to ensure that all of the participating youth and their families have a great time. We will be making some changes to the way we handle these programs and those changes will be announced at the Summer Leadership Seminar the July of 2014. We had 25 Major Activity Reports submitted for Youth Activities this last year. It made the task of selecting the State and Supreme Youth Activity Award winners a challenging task, but I enjoyed seeing all of the great activities that are benefitting our youth across the state of Nebraska. This year, Council 11001 in Lincoln was selected as the State Youth Activity Award winner for their support and recognition of Altar Servers in their parish. Our Supreme Youth Activity Award winner, Council 2681 in Scottsbluff, was selected for their parish picnic in which they include members of St. Joseph’s Children’s Home. I would like to thank State Deputy Richard Lowery and State Program Director Matthew Richardson for their confidence in me to help lead these great activities in our state. I would also like to thank all of the State Officers, District Deputies, and my fellow State Directors and Chairmen for their support with these programs. Your help has been greatly appreciated at all levels of these programs, especially in helping conduct the State Level competitions. It has been a privilege to serve the Nebraska State Family and the numerous Knights of Columbus Councils across our state as Youth Director this last year. I look forward to working with many of you again this upcoming program year and strengthening our Youth Programs across the state.
Respectfully Submitted, Mitchell W. Lowery
Community Director Worthy State Deputy Rich Lowery, State Officers, Supreme Guest, Program Directors, District Deputies, Delegates, and Brother Knights of the 109th annual State Convention of the Knights of Columbus. It has been an honor to serve as your Community Director for the past year. My wife Janet and I appreciate the help and support we have received. It is with regret that I must report that there were no qualifying applications submitted for the Leonard Feehan Award. There were a large number of applications submitted electronically with Supreme and State winners chosen. The Silver Rose was received by our jurisdiction the middle of July and we had 14 services over 15 days which were well attended. We handed the Rose off to Colorado on August 1. This year we will receive the Rose from South Dakota on Aug 1 and have it until Sept 21. Dates are filling up rapidly.
Respectfully Submitted Larry Peetz
Culture of Life Directors Worthy State Deputy Rich Lowery, State Officers, Directors, District Deputies and Brother Knights of the 109th State Convention held in Kearney, Nebraska, April 25 thru April 27, 2014: In completing our fourth year as the Nebraska Knights of Columbus State Culture of Life Couple, it has been an honor and a pleasure to serve our Lord Jesus and the State of Nebraska Knights of Columbus during the fraternal year 2013 – 2014 in promoting the culture of life throughout the great state of Nebraska. The highlight of the 2013 - 2014 fraternal year has been the purchase of an ultrasound machine for Collage Center in Grand Island, Nebraska. We are looking forward to the next fraternal year where the Knights will make efforts to help with the purchase ultrasound machines for one, possibly two mobile ultrasound machines; one in Omaha and one in Lincoln. It is also my hope to purchase a third ultrasound machine for the Assure Women’s Center in Omaha. In spite of an economy that continues to struggle, contributions to the One Rose, One Life and Buck- A-Month Campaigns combined is up from last year. My gratitude goes out to you my Brother Knights for all of your hard work to make this a successful year. Overall the Knights of Columbus Culture of Life Foundation of Nebraska is in great shape and is poised to help many culture of life efforts throughout the great State of Nebraska in the coming fiscal year. This last fraternal year, we gave out a little more than $100,000 to culture of life organizations and activities throughout the state of Nebraska. We have continued our efforts in regards to public relations, with exposure of the Knights of Columbus Culture of Life Foundation and the One Rose, One Life campaign on Catholic radio and through the help of the Bishops’ Pastoral Plan for Pro Life Activities Office. Thank you Rich Lowery for allowing me to continue to serve you, the Nebraska Knights of Columbus State Council, and my brother Knights throughout Nebraska in your tenure as State Deputy.
Respectfully Submitted, Bob and Anita Finger
Health Services Directors Worthy State Deputy Richard Lowery, State Officers, State Directors, Delegates, and Brother Knights attending the 109th Annual State Convention in Kearney, Nebraska, April 25 through 27, 2014: In our first year as Health Service Directors for the Nebraska Knights of Columbus and as Directors of the Nebraska Knights of Columbus Intellectual Disabilities Foundation, we are honored and humbled to serve. 79% of the local Knights of Columbus Councils participated in the fundraising drive for persons with intellectual disabilities in 2013 - 2014. Significant donations were made to the Nebraska Special Olympics, $18,000; Villa Marie School, $18,000; and Madonna School, $13,000. Nearly $80,000 was disbursed though local council requests to aid people with intellectual disabilities at the local level. The Madonna School recognized the Nebraska Council for its on-going generosity in support of the school’s students and programs. Priorities for the future include emphasizing the name of the fundraising drive as the Knights of Columbus Intellectual Disabilities drive rather than the Tootsie Roll Drive as well as continuing to follow the Supreme Council legal guidelines eliminating donations to Educational Service Units and school districts.
Respectfully Submitted, Don and Terri Hypse
Council Director No report received.
Stephen Lowery
Vocations Director Worthy State Deputy Richard Lowery, State Officers, Delegates and Brother Knights attending the 109th Annual State Convention in Kearney Nebraska on April 25, 26 and 27th, 2014. In the past year more than 53 councils in the state of Nebraska participated in the RSVP program. We have 55 seminarians and postulants receiving support. We also have councils supporting two Sisters in formation. Many councils support more than one seminarian. I have reviewed all the RSVP applications sent into Supreme from Nebraska. I am proud to be part of a group that is so supportive of our seminarians and religious. Councils do so much more than provide financial support. Many councils send cards and letters throughout the year as well as making the seminarians feel welcome by inviting them to council activities. Praying for the seminarians is the foundation of all this support. I recently traveled to St. John Vianney Seminary in St. Paul Minnesota to visit two seminarians from my parish. I also had the opportunity to meet with several of the seminarians from Nebraska. They were very appreciative of all the support they receive from the Nebraska Knights of Columbus. Thank you to all Knights of Columbus members for your support of Vocations and especially past Vocation Chairman Edward Mills for your assistance as I continue this most important service. Thank you Richard Lowery for the opportunity to serve this past year on the Nebraska State Council as your Vocations Director.
Respectfully Submitted Bernie Manley
Squires Greetings Brother Knights As of March 31, 2014 there were 11 Circles with 316 Squires on the Official Status report The following have achieved their membership quota Circle 3018 Scottsbluff sponsored by Council 26813 Circle 4892 Bellevue sponsored by Council 11879 Circle 5253 Omaha sponsored by Council 11700 Circle 5517 Ralston sponsored by Council 9518 Circle 5529 Lincoln sponsored by Council 11280 During the past year a number of activities that involved Circles working together included: August - Paint Ball at Mad Cow in Louisville 35 in attendance for food and fun October - Investiture at Mary Our Queen for All Circles January - State Squires Swimming Party in Ralston 45 in attendance from multiple circles. January - Visit to Lincoln meeting with Squires leadership February - Investiture in Lincoln in combination with KoC First Degree February - Met with State Officers planning convention February - Lunch meeting with Fr. Courtney developing a dynamic path for advancement of State Squire program March - Bowling and pizza party for Squires in Lincoln
We continue to participate in the Grand Knights Meeting, the State convention as well as other activities in our efforts to build awareness of the value of the Columbian Squires program in our Order, parishes and communities. Vivat Jesu Tim Smith David Marx
Financial Secretary Worth State Deputy, Richard Lowery, Worthy State Chaplain, Worthy State Officers, State Directors, District Deputies, and Delegates to the 109th Annual Nebraska Knights of Columbus Convention in Kearney, Nebraska. During the last Fraternal/Fiscal year, we responded to numerous questions from Financial Secretary's located around the State, and we provided a question and answer session during the state convention providing information on various topics. Among the topics covered were: The filing of Form 990, with due date and general filing requirements; Answered general questions regarding a Council's audit; Reviewed the procedure to get a tax id number and use as a tax exempt entity; Explain the differences in the procedures and requirements for Suspensions Vs. Withdrawals; Demonstrated the process on how to acquire access to the Supreme website (www.kofc.org) and then demonstrated procedures within the membership management section to process activities that previously required the submission of a written paper document; How to determine years of Service for Honorary and Honorary Life Status when re-entry is involved; Provided assistance to Executive Secretary concerning information required to be included in the Semi-annual Audit report; Provided Financial Secretary's guidance in computing the new fee schedule necessary for Honorary members to cover Supreme and State assessments; and other miscellaneous questions as they arose. Other duties performed included: Coordinated a Regional FS training in Lincoln in Spring 2013; Assisted Supreme FS Training Coordinator Rod Hofschulte in the FS one day workshop during the summer Leadership seminar;
Respectfully submitted, Stephen Graff, Manny Gallardo, and Mitchell O'Neill
Athletics Chairman Worthy State Deputy Rich Lowery, State Officers, District Deputies, Fellow State Directors and Chairmen, Delegates and Brother Knights, I respectfully submit my report on our state’s Athletics Program for the past year. We once again held three statewide tournaments in the 2013 – 14 Fraternal Year. Our State Golf Tournament was held on the weekend of August 17th & 18th, 2013. There were 63 golfers that participated this year at Indianhead Golf Course in Grand Island. John Oltman and Fred Kambach organized this event and did a great job putting it together. Along with Fred and John, I would also like to thank Tony Swanson and Kevin Pfeifer, General Agents for Nebraska, for providing the flag prizes that were given away at this event. This was a very enjoyable event that brought together Knights from across the state to enjoy two great days on the links. On September 21st, the State Horseshoe Tournament was held. Ray and Ron Coulter organized this event which was held at the University Pits in Lincoln. This event was only attended by 4 horseshoe pitchers, despite efforts to increase the participation this year. This was a big disappointment and it is unlikely that the State will sponsor the tournament again in Fraternal Year 2014 – 15. In January and early February this year, we hosted the State Bowling Tournament at Westside Lanes in Grand Island. I would especially like to thank Dave Kyle for organizing the Bowling Tournament this year. We had 60 Men’s entries this year along with 21 Women’s entries. It was a fun event that provided a great opportunities for families to get together and friends to be reacquainted with each other. For the 2014 – 15 Fraternal year, I am already planning the State Golf Tournament for August 16th & 17th. I am looking at making several changes that will hopefully increase participation at this event. Thanks to State Deputy, Rich Lowery, all of the State Officers, the General Agents for Nebraska and all of the other Directors and Chairmen for their help and support through this past fraternal year.
Respectfully submitted, Kevin M Ostdiek
Foundation Director
Worthy Fellow Knights, It has been an honor to serve the Knights of Columbus in the state of Nebraska as the State Foundation Co- Director this past year. I have prepared and reported on the status of the Nebraska State Knights of Columbus Foundation at respective meetings. The Annual Report of the Foundation will be included later in these proceedings. Our fiscal year is now changed to correspond with normal annual fiscal year, Jan 1 thru Dec. 31 each year. This was done to cause less confusion for most of our donors and to follow along for income tax purposes which is how a lot of donations are prompted. This is second year of this format and is working very well. I have had the opportunity to work with Norm Vogel, as the other chairman for the KC Foundation. He and I will be turning over the role as lead director, to Mike Bailey. I feel it is good to get new insight and ideas for our foundation and support his appointment in this capacity. This past year we again made a mass mailing to all individuals, councils, and groups or organizations who have ever contributed to the State Foundation. This mailing was made in late November 2013. We made a special attempt to contact councils to encourage their participation in the Nebraska State Council Foundation. I thank all who continue to support our Nebraska Knights of Columbus Foundation and have enjoyed serving as your director.
Respectfully submitted: John F. Smith, PSD Nebraska State Council Foundation Worthy Knights of Nebraska, it has been an honor to serve as a Foundation Director for 2013. Mailings to councils, assemblies, and individuals were made throughout the year. The Kearney Area Committee Foundation continues to be the accounting and investment contractor for the Nebraska State Council Foundation. Foundation Director John Smith continues to be the financial coordinator. The Total Fund balance as of December 31, 2013 was $337908.29. The Fund expendable balance is $2859.71. The Fund Endowed balance is $335048.58. I thank all who continue to support the Nebraska Knights of Columbus Foundation.
Respectfully submitted, Norm Vogel
State Public Relations Chairman Worthy State Deputy, Rich Lowery, Worthy State Chaplain, Worthy State Officers, State Directors, District Deputies, and Delegates to the 108th Annual Nebraska Knights Of Columbus Convention in Kearney, Nebraska. This past fraternal year, as your Public Relations Chairman, I attended all meetings called by our worthy State Deputy (submitted reports). These included the GK/FS seminar and now the annual State Convention. I worked with councils, encouraging them to turn in the necessary information for points, in conjunction with the Knights Courier Editor, the State Website Chairman, and the State Program Director. My goal remains to continue to encourage all councils to promote the activities of their specific group, to report these promotions to me for award points, and to increase the percent of council participation in turning in these points. Respectfully submitted, Ron Goodrich
State Website Chairman Worthy State Deputy, Rich Lowery, Worthy State Chaplain, Worthy State Officers, State Directors, District Deputies, and Delegates to the 109th Annual Nebraska Knights Of Columbus b Convention in Kearney, Nebraska. This past fraternal year, as your State Website Chairman, I attended all meetings called by our worthy State Deputy. These included the GK/FS seminar and now the annual State Convention. Since taking over on the State Website, I have successfully answered all Web-related questions and solved problems; made sure Supreme has all the Website addresses of sites hosted by our State site; stayed current on information posted on the State site. Using the online database form for members to request notification of digital editions of Knights Courier, I strip these names from the print/mail lists each quarter. From April 1, 2013 to March 31, 2013 we have had 18,264 hits (visits with 59.9% returning) with 7,782 being unique/new visitors (40.1% are new visitors). This is a significant increase from last year. Visitors remain an average of 3 minutes. Over 3,537 people use this as their home page.
Respectfully submitted, Aaron Goodrich
Nebraska Knights Courier Editor Worthy State Deputy, Rich Lowery, Worthy State Chaplain, Worthy State Officers, State Directors, District Deputies, and Delegates to the 109th Annual Nebraska Knights Of Columbus Convention in Kearney, Nebraska. This past fraternal year, I have again had the honor of publishing four issues of the Knights Courier. With over 13 years of experience producing this piece, I feel comfortable with the responsibility entrusted to me, and have continued to grow in the knowledge of the workings of the Order and of the various councils that comprise the Nebraska State Council. My goal remains to promote, inform and share the efforts of the Nebraska Council of the Knights of Columbus as we continue the work of the Order’s principles of Charity, Unity, Fraternity and Patriotism.
Respectfully submitted, Duffi Goodrich Deputy Lowery called on Past State Deputy Larry Reed for a report of the Past State Deputies meeting. Deputy Reed reported that this group nominated former Supreme Warden and Past State Deputy Robert Ostdiek as alternate to Deputy Lowery and Past State Deputy and District Master Don Ferneding as alternate to Deputy Haiar. Deputy Reed requested a motion to approve these nominations and that the report from this group be entered into the proceedings without being read. Council 11280 so moved, seconded by Council 6429, motion passed.
Deputy Lowery thanked Deputy Reed for his report. He then called on Advocate LeRoy for a report of the Committee for Greetings and Resolutions Committee.
COMMITTEE ON GREETINGS AND RESOLUTIONS The Resolutions Committee appointed for the 2014 Knights of Columbus Nebraska State Convention met as scheduled on Saturday morning, April 26, 2014. State Advocate Ken LeRoy chaired the meeting. The Committee unanimously approved the Resolutions as presented by State Advocate Ken LeRoy and moves for the adoption of all greetings and resolutions. Motion passed. The complete report of the greetings and resolutions are at Appendix E. Respectfully submitted Kenneth LeRoy, Esq. State Advocate
Deputy Lowery thanked Advocate Leroy for his report.
Deputy Lowery continued we will now proceed to the election of delegates to the Supreme Convention. This year it will be in Orlando, Florida. In order that all may have a chance to attend a Supreme Convention, we have a gentleman’s agreement here in the State of Nebraska that we are elected only once in a lifetime. The laws of the Order, Section 27(2), provide the members and representatives to the Supreme Council meeting shall receive in lieu of expenses, mileage one way at the rate of thirty ($.30) cents per mile for the first 1500 miles and twenty ($.20) for each additional mile from the place of residence to the convention city. In addition, a delegate receives a per diem of $400 per day for each day he is in attendance at the meeting of the Supreme Council. From the total allowance for mileage and per diem, there will be deducted an amount of $65.00 which provides each delegate with one ticket for the States Dinner, in addition to other mementos that are presented by the Supreme Council. Deputy Lowery reported that he and Past State Deputy Haiar were automatic delegates by virtue of their positions on the State Council. Deputy Lowery reported that only 2 of our brother were interested in being a delegate to our international meeting and attended the caucus last night. Deputy Lowery continued that in accordance with the Laws and Rules of the Order and the Nebraska State Council by-laws, the state Deputy shall appoint delegates to the supreme Convention in this situation. At this time our delegates are:
Deputy Richard Lowery Past State Deputy James Haiar Nickolas Ladenburger, Council 10163 Brent Kallhoff, Council 2411
NOTE: the following were appointed subsequent to the Supreme Convention
State Secretary Anthony Hergott, Council 12086 Rev Marc Lim, Council 10909 Program Director Matthew Richardson, Council 2272 Kenneth Meyer, Council 8469 District Deputy Robert Hauser, Council 1793 Jeffrey Wardyn, Council 2388
Deputy Lowery continued that State Chaplain Rev Troy Schweiger would also be attending the convention as an official member of the Nebraska Delegation. Deputy Lowery asked if there was any further business to come before this assembly. Hearing none, ne continued and called on Supreme Director Martinez for any closing remarks. Director Martinez thanked all for the great hospitality he received during his visit to Nebraska. He thanked Nebraska for our strong support for the Religious Freedom Resolution and congratulated the officers and expressed his confidence that will continue to serve Nebraska well. He reminded us that we have a ways to go to earn the coveted circle of Honor. Keep up the good work. Deputy Lowery called on State Squires Director Tim Smith for final remarks. Director Smith thanked all for the great support provided to the Squires, the future of the Knights of Columbus. Director Smith introduced the new State circle Officers. Deputy Lowery called on Program Director Richardson. Director Richardson thanked all for the great weekend and he looked forward to the coming year. He continued that he would soon be contacting the Supreme council Service Award winners to work with them on their nomination package for Supreme. Deputy Lowery called on Membership Director Ferneding. Director Ferneding reminded us that there are two more months to go and to keep recruiting. We are within reach of achieving the Circle of Honor for Nebraska. Deputy Lowery called on Executive Secretary Guggenberger. Executive Secretary Guggenberger reminded all of the upcoming reports that are due to Supreme Council; the Columbian Award, the Support of Vocations Award, the Report of Officers and the Report of Service Personnel. He also stated that the next Semi-Annual Report of Audit for the period ending June 30th would be due by August 15th. Secretary Guggenberger continued that letters would soon come out asking for directory updates. He continued, remember, I do not know if you have no changes unless you tell me. Executive Secretary Guggenberger continued with a review of our morning email prayer chain. Nebraska has a powerful tool in this morning request for prayers. He encouraged all Grand Knights and Financial Secretaries to forward on this daily request to the members of their council.
Deputy Lowery called on Warden Borytsky for any closing remarks. Warden Borytsky thanked all for coming and said it was a great weekend. He reminded his assistant wardens to turn in their badges to him prior to leaving. Deputy Lowery called on Advocate LeRoy. Advocate Leroy stated he was available to assist as needed, please to not hesitate to call him. He reminded us to be careful with the use of the emblem of our Order, protect the good name of our Order. He also informed us of changes to the rules governing Home Corporations were coming soon. He reminded all to continue the filling of the form 990, either in paper or electronically. Deputy Lowery called on Treasurer Lou Gasper. Treasurer Gasper thanked all for the vote of confidence and promised to work hard for our order. Deputy concluded the closing remarks. He thanked all for attending and the their continued support to the State Officers and Nebraska. All of us are important. Remember the Supreme goal of 1 member per month per council; we need 200 more new members for the Circle of Honor. Let’s give every family in Nebraska an opportunity to share our brotherhood. Deputy Lowery announced that the Summer leadership Conference would be July 19 and 20 in North Platte. Next year’s convention will be here in Kearney. Deputy Lowery continued, delegates, remember to come to the podium before you leave and complete the delegate information form. District Deputies will now be given their mileage and per diem check for the delegates within their district. This meeting of the 109th Annual Nebraska State Convention is now adjourned at 10:12 AM. Deputy Lowery closed with a prayer.
Respectfully submitted,
Ray Guggenberger Executive Secretary Convention Recorder Appendices A – Audit State Council B – Audit Culture of Life Foundation C – Audit Intellectual Disabilities Foundation D – By-Laws for Nebraska E – Resolutions passed at this Convention F – Listing of Past State Deputies and Chaplain
THE FIRST REVISED AND RESTATED BYLAWS OF
THE NEBRASKA STATE COUNCIL OF THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS AMENDED 2012
ADOPTED: 29 April 2012
APPROVED & EFFECTIVE: 18 September 2012
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Article Page
I. NAME ...... 1 II. OFFICES ...... 1
III. CHARTER, CONSTITUTION, & POWERS ...... 1
IV. STATE COUNCIL MEMBERSHIP ...... 2
V. OFFICERS, DELEGATES & REPRESENTATIVES ...... 2
VI. ANNUAL CONVENTION & EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETINGS ...... 6
VII. PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY AND ORDER OF BUSINESS ...... 9
VIII. ELECTIONS ...... 10
IX. COMMITTEES ...... 12
X. RESOLUTIONS ...... 13
XI. FINANCES & FISCAL YEAR ...... 14
XII. BYLAW AMENDMENT ...... 16
XIII. CONFLICTS POLICY ...... 16
XIV. MISCELLANEOUS ...... 16
SIGNATURES ...... 17
CONFORMED...... 17
APPROVED & EFFECTIVE ...... 17
FIRST REVISED & RESTATED BYLAWS AMENDED 2012
ARTICLE I NAME
Section 1. Name. The body shall be known as the: NEBRASKA STATE COUNCIL OF THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS
Section 2. Additional Names. The body may also be referred to as: “Body”; “Nebraska State Council”; “Nebraska Council”; or “State Council”.
ARTICLE II OFFICES & REGISTERED AGENT
Section 1. Principal Office. The State Council’s principal Nebraska office shall be located at its Registered Office. The State Council may have additional offices as specified by the Officers.
Section 2. Registered Office. The State Council’s Registered Office shall be that of the Council’s Registered Agent.
Section 3. Registered Agent. The Registered Agent for the State Council for all purposes shall be the State Advocate; in the event that there is no State Advocate in office, the Registered Agent of the State Council shall be the State Deputy until such time as a State Advocate takes office. Pursuant to Nebraska law, the Registered Office shall have the same address as the Registered Agent.
ARTICLE III CHARTER, CONSTITUTION, LAWS & POWERS
Section 1. Charter. The Charter of the Knights of Columbus Granted by the General Assembly of the State of Connecticut, adopted at the January Session, in the year Eighteen Eighty-Two (1882), as amended (“Charter”), provides for the organization and authority of the State Council and subordinate councils therein and thereunder.
Section 2. Constitution. The Constitution of the Knights of Columbus, as amended (“Constitution”), provides for the organization of the State Council and subordinate councils therein and thereunder, and sets forth the laws governing, authority of, and powers of the State Council.
Section 3. Laws. The Laws of the Knights of Columbus, as amended (“Laws”), provides for the organization of the State Council and subordinate councils therein and thereunder, and sets forth the laws governing, authority of, and powers of the State Council.
Section 4. Powers. The powers of the State Council are set forth in Nebraska law, the Charter, Constitution, and Laws of the Knights of Columbus (“Charter, Constitution, and Laws”), and these First Restated Bylaws, as amended.
ARTICLE IV STATE COUNCIL MEMBERSHIP
Section 1. Membership. Membership in the State Council shall be as defined in the Charter, Constitution, and Laws, Chapter II, Sec. 12.
Section 2. Chairmen of Standing Committees. Chairmen of State Council Standing Committees, not to exceed twelve (12), who are not otherwise members of the State Council, shall have the privileges of limited membership in the State Council, with the right to speak on matters and questions pertaining to the functions of the chairman’s particular committee but without the right to vote therein as provided in the Charter, Constitution, and Laws, Chapter II, Section 12.
ARTICLE V OFFICERS, DELEGATES & REPRESENTATIVES
PART A: OFFICERS Section 1. Officers. The State Council shall have the following Officers: (1) State Deputy; (2) State Secretary;
(3) State Treasurer; (4) State Advocate; (5) State Chaplain; (6) State Warden.
Section 2. Duties of Officers. The duties of each State Officer are as follows:
(1) State Deputy: The State Deputy’s qualifications and duties shall be as defined by the Charter, Constitution, and Laws. The State Deputy shall receive an expense reimbursement of $1,200.00 per annum.
(2) State Secretary: The State Secretary shall:
(a) Keep a true and faithful record of the proceedings of the State Council; (b) Issue the Assessment Call to subordinate councils as levied by the State Council; (c) Collect said Assessment, giving proper receipt therefore to the Grand Knight of the subordinate council; (d) Receive and hold in trust all money paid per capita tax due the State Council, all money from committees of the State Council, and all money of subordinate entities of the State Council, and make a record thereof, and transmit within ten days of receipt the same to the State Treasurer; (e) Draw warrants (orders) on the State Treasurer for the payment of all debts due from the State Council, said warrants are to be approved by countersignature of the State Deputy prior to transmittal to the State Treasurer; (f) Give a surety bond to the State Council in the sum of One Thousand Dollars ($1000.00), secured through the Supreme Office, the expense of same to be paid by the State Council; (g) Balance and prepare the State Secretary’s books and records before the date of the Audit Committee meeting immediately prior to the Annual State Convention, and submit same to the Audit Committee for audit; (h) Prepare a report of the proceedings of the Annual State Convention, have the report certified by the State Deputy, cause the certified report to be published as specified by the State Officers, and furnish one copy thereof to each State Officer, Chairman, District Deputy, Past State
Deputy and Delegate to said Annual Convention. The report publisher shall be selected by the State Officers and the publication and mailing expenses shall be paid by the State Council.
The State Secretary shall receive an expense reimbursement as determined by the State Council of seven hundred twenty dollars ($720.00) per annum.
(3) State Treasurer: The State Treasurer shall: (a) Pay all properly drawn and countersigned warrants (orders) from the State Secretary; he shall pay no other; (b) Furnish to the State Secretary at least monthly a duplicate of all deposit slips presented for deposit into the State Council’s accounts; (c) Furnish to the State Deputy and State Secretary at least monthly a listing of all accounts held by the State Council and a statement of all receipts, disbursements, and balances for each said account held; and (d) Balance and prepare the State Treasurers books and records before the date of the Audit Committee meeting immediately prior to the Annual State Convention, and submit same to the Audit Committee for audit.
The State Treasurer shall receive an expense reimbursement as determined by the State Council of seven hundred twenty dollars ($720.00) per annum.
(4) State Advocate: The State Advocate shall:
(a) Be the legal advisor to the State Council, State Council’s subordinate entities, and State Officers in all matters pertaining to the Order or referred to him; (b) Serve as the Registered Agent and/or provide the Registered Address for the State Council and designated subordinate entities of the State Council; (c) Perform such other duties as are provided for in the Charter, Constitution, and Laws of the Order, and as directed by the State Council; (d) Serve as Chairman of the Resolutions Committee at the Annual Meeting of the State Council; (e) Prepare an annual report of all known pending legal matters concerning the State Council and subordinate entities and councils thereto as of
March 1 and submit the same to all of the other State Council Officers no later than March 15 each year.
The State Advocate shall receive an expense reimbursement of three hundred dollars ($300.00) per annum.
(5) State Chaplain: The State Chaplain shall be appointed by the State Deputy after consultation with and approval by the Bishop of the Diocese from which the State Chaplin is to be appointed. The State Chaplain shall receive an expense reimbursement of three hundred dollars ($300.00) per annum.
(6) State Warden: The State Warden shall: (a) Serve as Warden to the State Council; (b) Guard the doors of the State Council; (c) Serve as keeper of the Archives; and (d) Perform such other duties as specified herein and/or the State Deputy may require. The State Warden shall receive an expense reimbursement of three hundred dollars ($300.00) per annum.
Section 3. Officer Property Transfer. Every Officer shall promptly deliver all money, books, papers, documents, records, data, and property belonging to the State Council to their successors in office.
Section 4. Officer Reports. The State Deputy, State Secretary, State Treasurer, State Advocate, State Warden, State Chaplain, Immediate Past State Deputy, each Standing Committee, and each District Deputy shall prepare complete written reports of all official acts before the period ending May 1st of each year. Prior to the date of the State Council meeting each Officer, Immediate Past State Deputy, Committee Chairman, and District Deputy shall deliver said report to the State Secretary who, IF THE STATE OFFICERS SO DIRECT, shall have sufficient copies of said reports printed and distributed to the Members attending the Annual State Convention. With the exception of the State Deputy’s Report, such distribution shall be deemed the reading thereof, and thereafter it may be adopted or acted upon as the State Council directs.
PART B: DELEGATES Section 1. Delegate and Alternate Delegate Defined. “Delegate” and “Alternate Delegate” herein shall mean an individual representing a subordinate council at the Annual State Convention. PART C: REPRESENTATIVES Section 1. Representative and Alternate Representative Defined. “Representative” and “Alternate Representative” herein shall mean a representative and alternate to the Supreme Convention.
ARTICLE VI ANNUAL CONVENTION & MEETINGS
PART A: CONVENTIONS Section 1. State Council to Convene Annually. The Nebraska State Council shall convene annually (“Annual Convention”) on the last full weekend of April. In the event that Easter Sunday is celebrated on the last weekend of April, the State Council shall convene on the first weekend following the last full weekend of April for that year. Section 2. Annual Convention Location. The site of the Annual Convention shall be selected by the State Officers. The Officers should strive to rotate the site among all of the Nebraska dioceses as practical. Section 3. Annual Convention Business. During the State Convention the State Council shall: (1) Discuss policies and programs and endeavor to promote the general welfare of the Order; and (2) Transact such business and enact such rules and regulations as may be consistent with the Charter, Constitution, and Laws of the Knights of Columbus. Section 4. Seating. To facilitate the orderly conduct of business at every meeting of the State Council, there shall be two (2) seating areas as follows: (1) Restricted Area. A restricted seating area designed and designated for seating only the Delegates; and (2) Non-Delegate Member and Guest Area. An area set apart from the Restricted Area for seating Non-Delegate Members and guests.
Section 5. Qualifications for Attending State Council Meetings. Only Members in good standing who present a current membership card shall be admitted to a State Council meeting. Section 6. Presiding Officer and Recorder. The State Deputy and/or his designee shall preside at all meetings of the State Council, performing the usual duties of Chairman. The State Secretary or his assistant/designee as approved by the State Deputy shall record all State Council proceedings. Section 7. Credentials. (1) The State Secretary shall prepare and furnish credential forms to the Grand Knight of each subordinate council at least six (6) weeks prior to the date of the next State Convention. (2) The Grand Knight of each subordinate council shall instruct the Financial Secretary of said council to prepare and certify credentials of Delegates and Alternate Delegates on the forms furnished by the State Secretary, and forward one copy each to the State Deputy and State Secretary at least two weeks prior to the date of the next State Convention. (3) Credentials shall be presented by all Delegates and/or Alternate Delegates attending the State Convention. (4) The Committee on Credentials shall meet prior to the roll call of Delegates. Section 8. Contests. In the event of a contest for a State Convention seat, one Member from each side of the contest may appear before the Committee on Credentials and offer argument regarding the same. Argument shall not exceed five (5) minutes total for each side except as specifically authorized by the Committee. Section 9. Assessments & Arrears. (1) All subordinate councils instituted prior to January 1 of the current year or July 1 of the prior year shall be liable for all assessments levied by the State Council in said half-year. (2) Subordinate councils failing to pay indebtedness to the Supreme Council or State Council as required by law shall not be entitled to representation in the State Council. Section 10. Temporary Roll of Delegates. The State Secretary shall prepare a temporary roll of names of all Delegates and Alternate Delegates utilizing the credentials presented to him prior to the call-to-order of the State Council meeting. The temporary roll shall govern until the Committee on Credentials has met, determined the permanent roll by action, and submitted its report.
Section 11. Speaking Conduct and Limitations. Members speaking during a State Council meeting shall conduct themselves as follows: (1) The Member shall rise and address the Chair immediately before and while he speaks. (2) The Member shall first state his name and the council he represents. (3) After the Member is recognized by the Chair, he shall confine himself to the subject matter under consideration. (4) A Member shall speak no longer than five (5) minutes at any one time unless the Chair gives him permission to speak longer.
Section 12. Roll Call Vote. The roll shall be called on a demand for yeas and nays only at the request of at least one-third of the voting Members present.
PART B: EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETINGS
Section 1. Regular Meetings. Regular meetings of the Executive Committee shall be at the direction of the State Deputy and held in conjunction with the Annual State Convention and other State Council hosted seminars and meetings.
Section 2. Special Meetings. Special meetings of the Executive Committee may be called by the State Deputy at his discretion and shall be called by him at the written request of two (2) Committee Members. The call for a Special Meeting shall state the time, place, and purpose(s) of the meeting and, except in cases of emergency, be made at least three (3) days before the meeting date.
Section 3. Quorum. A majority of Members of the Executive Committee shall constitute a quorum.
ARTICLE VII PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY & ORDER OF BUSINESS
Section 1. Parliamentary Authority. Except as otherwise provided herein and in the absence of a standing rule of the State Council, the current edition of ROBERT'S RULES OF ORDER, NEWLY REVISED (RONR), shall determine procedure at all meetings of the State Council, State Council Committees, and State Officers.
Section 2. Order of Business. The Order of Business at all State Council Meetings shall be as follows:
(1) Call to Order and Opening Ceremonies. (2) Prayer. (3) Report of Committee on Credentials. (4) Communications. (5) Reports of State Officers as follows: (a) State Deputy; (b) State Secretary; (c) State Treasurer; (d) State Chaplain; (e) State Advocate; (f) State Warden; and (g) Immediate Past State Deputy. (6) Reports of Committees. (7) Reports of Special Committees. (8) Unfinished Business. (9) New Business. (10) Election of Officers and Representatives as follows: (a) State Officers; and (b) Representatives and Alternates to Supreme Council. (11) Closing Prayer. (12) Adjournment and Closing Ceremonies.
ARTICLE VIII ELECTIONS Section 1. Election by Ballot. Every State Council Officer (except the State Chaplain), Representative, and Alternate Representative shall be elected by Ballot. If there is only one nominee seeking a particular office, that person may be elected by acclamation. Section 2. Election Process. (1) Elections shall be conducted in the following order, the results of each election being announced before proceeding to the next: 1. State Deputy. 2. State Secretary. 3. State Treasurer.
4. State Advocate. 5. State Warden.
(2) Representative and Alternate Representative. After the election of State Officers is concluded, the nomination of candidates for Representatives and Alternate Representatives to the Supreme Convention of both insurance and associate class shall be made, the elections held, and the results declared. The following rules shall apply to elections of Representative and Alternate Representative: (a) The nominations shall be made on one ballot. (b) Only an Insurance Member may be nominated as an Insurance Representative pursuant to law as determined by the Supreme Council. (c) An Insurance Member is eligible to be nominated and elected as an Associate Representative; an Insurance Members nomination automatically qualifies the same for the position of Associate Representative. (d) The nominated Insurance Members receiving the highest number of votes in order shall be first elected as the Insurance Representatives to the Supreme Convention. The Associate Representatives shall then be elected from the next highest number of votes cast, be they either Insurance or Associate Members. (e) The Alternate Representatives shall then be selected from those candidates receiving the next highest number of votes in order except that Insurance Members only shall be designated alternates for Insurance Representatives. (3) Representative and Alternate Unable to Attend. If at the time of the Supreme Convention any elected Representative and/or Alternate Representative is unable to attend the Supreme Convention, the selection of a Representative shall be made pursuant to the Charter, Constitution, and Laws of the Knights of Columbus Supreme Council. Section 3. Nomination Procedures. All speeches presenting a nominee and/or candidate shall not exceed five minutes in length. To second a nomination, one must state his name and council number and state the name of the candidate for office. Only one second to a nomination shall be accepted. A second called out after the initial second shall be ruled out of order. The request for nominations from the floor shall be made three times before nominations are closed.
Section 4. Multiple Nominations Prohibited. No candidate for State Office or Representative may have his name placed in nomination for State Office or Representative, respectively, more than once at any State Council meeting. Section 5. Ballot Election by Majority Vote . In all cases of election to any office in the State Council, a majority of all votes cast shall be necessary to elect a nominee, except when several of equal degree are to be elected, as Representative or Alternate Representative. When more than one nominee is presented for an office, the name of the nominee receiving the least number of votes shall be eliminated from the next ballot taken until the nominee receiving a majority of the votes shall be declared elected. Section 6. Election Procedure. When more than one nominee is presented for a state office, or more nominees for Representative or Alternate Representative than the number to be elected is presented, the election shall be by individual ballot, the procedures as follows: (1) The State Secretary shall call from the permanent roll the names of those entitled to vote and as each name is called the individual shall step forward and deposit his ballot. (2) Any Ballot containing more or less nominee names than open positions or containing nominee names not presented for the vote shall be rejected and not counted. Section 7. Ballots. All Ballots used in a State Council election shall be on a uniform size of white paper, furnished by the State Secretary. Section 8. Tallying the Vote. The State Deputy or Presiding Officer shall appoint Tellers to receive, sort and count Ballots, and report the result to the chair. Section 9. Election by Unanimous Consent. When only one nominee is presented for a state office, and/or only a number of nominees equal to the number of Representatives to be elected is presented, the Chair may take a voice vote or declare the nominee elected by acclamation. Section 10. Numerical Election Results. No member of the State Council shall give out for publication any information relative to the numerical results of any election in the State Council. Section 11. Officers Retain Voting Rights. Officers of the State Council who are not delegates shall have the privilege of voting on all questions brought therein.
Section 12. Political Advertisement Prohibited. A candidate for state office, Representative, or Alternate Representative shall not prepare, cause to be prepared, publish, and/or display any political sign, advertisement, memorandum, propaganda or any other similar material promoting his candidacy for presentment at the State Convention. It shall be the duty of the State Warden at the direction of the State Deputy to enforce this prohibition against political advertisements.
ARTICLE IX COMMITTEES
Section 1. State Deputy Ex-Officio Member. The State Deputy shall be ex-officio member of all State Council Committees.
Section 2. Committee Appointments, Meetings, and Reports. (1) The State Deputy shall appoint the members of the Committee on Resolutions and Committee on the Good of the Order prior to the first day of the State Convention. All Committees shall meet at a time specified by the State Deputy prior to the opening of the State Council. (2) The State Deputy may appoint members to other special or standing committees at his discretion. (3) All duly appointed Committee Members are entitled to mileage and per diem reimbursement at the rate specified by the State Council. (4) All Committee Reports shall be in writing and signed by the Chairman thereof.
Section 3. Executive Committee. The State Council shall have a standing Executive Committee, with power, as follows:
(1) The following shall constitute the Executive Committee: a. The State Officers; and b. The last living Past State Deputy that qualifies for membership in the State Council pursuant to SEC. 12(a) of the Constitution and Laws of the Order.
(2) The Executive Committee shall have full power and authority over the affairs of the State Council between State Conventions, meet as specified herein, make recommendations to the State Council, and perform such other duties as specified herein and in the Constitution and Laws of the Order.
(3) The Executive Committee shall report to and be subject to the orders of the State Council, and none of its acts shall conflict with action taken by the State
Council.
ARTICLE X RESOLUTIONS Section 1. Submission. Any resolutions, petitions, recommendations, amendments, requests for funding from the Treasury of the State Council or requests to collect money from members or other councils, and all proposals, amendments, petitions or request to amend the State Council bylaws from the subordinate councils shall be approved at a regular council business meeting, signed by the Grand Knight, and submitted to the State Secretary and State Advocate by March 1st of each year, and those from the State Officers shall be prepared by the State Advocate and a copy provided to the State Secretary by March 1st of each year. Section 2. State Advocate Opinion. Every proposed Resolution that is not from the State Officers shall be examined by the State Advocate who will review the resolution to determine if it conflicts at all with the Laws of the Order or the State Council’s Bylaws. The State Advocate shall attach a report to every proposed Resolution stating whether, in his opinion the resolution conflicts with the laws of the order or any policy established by the Supreme Council or State Council. The State Advocate shall also present all resolutions to the State Council Committee on Resolutions (“Resolutions Committee”) at the Committee’s first meeting after April 1st of the year. Section 3. Submission of Proposed Resolution to State Convention. The Resolutions Committee shall review each proposed resolution with opinion and submit same to the State Convention with the Committee’s recommendation for action. The proposed resolutions with recommendation shall be circulated to all Grand Knights and other Delegates at the first session of the State Convention. Section 4. State Council Vote on Proposed Resolutions. At the State Convention: (1) Proposed resolutions from the State Officers may be grouped and classified as recurrent or reoccurring and voted on by the State Council accordingly. (2) The State Council shall vote separately on each proposed resolution not classified or grouped as recurrent or reoccurring.
ARTICLE XI FINANCES & FISCAL YEAR Section 1. Funds Payable to State Council. All money owing to the State Council shall be paid to the State Secretary by check, draft, or money order made payable to the
Nebraska State Council, Knights of Columbus. The State Secretary shall credit and forward the same to the State Treasurer as provided for herein. The State Treasurer shall draw an order for all such checks, drafts, and money orders. Section 2. Funds Held by State Council. All money of the State Council shall be deposited in a depository/depositories to the account of “Nebraska State Council, Knights of Columbus”, subject to checks signed by the State Treasurer. The total amount of State Council funds and the funds of any related entity or subordinate council deposited in any one depository shall not at any time exceed the FDIC maximum insured amount. Section 3. State Treasurer Bond. The State Treasurer and State Secretary are and shall be bonded by Supreme in an amount established by the Supreme Office. The bond premium therefor shall be paid by the State Council and bond secured therefrom deposited with the State Deputy. If additional bond is desired, it may be purchased at the discretion of the State Council through the Supreme Office or a corporate surety/bond company. Section 4. State Deputy Controls. The State Deputy shall oversee the expenses of the State Council. No warrant on the State Treasury shall be issued or paid unless counter- signed by the State Deputy. Section 5. Assessments. All assessments made by the State Council shall be due and payable within sixty days after the first day of July and the first day of January following the State Convention. Assessments shall be based on the membership as of record in the Supreme Council on July 1 and the State Secretary shall send to each council due notice thereof, AND SHALL INCLUDE IN THE NOTICE EXCERPTS FROM SECTION 57 AND 157 OF THE ORDER’S LAWS WHICH DESCRIBE THE PENALTIES FOR FAILURE TO PAY SUCH ASSESSMENTS. Section 6. College Council Rebate. The State Council shall make a rebate to college councils in its jurisdiction of fifty percent (50%) of the annual per capita tax assessed against and paid by the membership of said councils, and said councils shall use said rebated funds for Catholic and fraternal programs. Section 7. Attendance and Service Allowance. Delegates to the State Council, State Officers, Past State Deputies, Past State Chaplains, District Deputies, State Council Committee Chairmen and official reporters shall be allowed for actual attendance at the State Convention per diem and mileage one way by the most direct route from the location of their council to the location of the State Convention as set by the State
Council and approved by the Supreme Council. The same mileage shall be allowed State Officers, District Deputies and Committee Members when called by the State Deputy to attend State, Regional, District or other meetings in connection with the State Council affairs between annual meetings, or when performing any mission at the direction of the State Deputy, provided that the Supreme Council does not pay same. The State Officers shall set a limit of the amount a State Officer or clerk for hire may receive for services and limit the amount the State Officer may spend on office equipment and other expenses.
ARTICLE XII BYLAW AMENDMENT Section 1. Amendment of Bylaws. These bylaws or any part thereof may be amended or repealed at any meeting of the State Council by a two-thirds vote, and such amendment or repeal shall be effective upon approval by the Supreme Board of Directors. Any bylaw or part thereof may be temporarily suspended at any meeting by unanimous consent. Section 2. Bylaw Amendment Procedure. A resolution or motion to amend, repeal, or in any manner modify the State Council Bylaws shall be voted on separately and the results of said vote shall be recorded in the proceedings of the session. Section 3. Revision of Bylaws. The State Council Bylaws shall be revised and reprinted every ten years.
ARTICLE XIII CONFLICTS POLICY Section 1. Conflicts Policy. The State Council shall adopt, maintain, and enforce a conflicts of interest policy (“Conflicts Policy”).
ARTICLE XIV MISCELLANEOUS Section 1. When Bylaws Become Effective. These Bylaws shall become effective and considered in-force on the approval thereof by the Supreme Advocate and/or the Supreme Board of Directors; the elected state officers are vested with the authority to conform, change, delete, or add to these Bylaws in such manner that the same will meet the approval and direction of the Supreme Advocate and/or the Supreme Board of Directors.
SIGNATURE
Adopted at the State Convention held 27-29 April 2012.
//s// James N. Haiar State Deputy
APPROVED & EFFECTIVE
Approved by the Supreme Board of Directors on and effective as of: 18 September 2012
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS NEBRASKA STATE COUNCIL 2014 CONVENTION RESOLUTIONS ______
I. RECURRENT RESOLUTIONS
A. FEALTY, COMMENDATION, & SUPPORT RESOLUTIONS.
WHEREAS, the Knights of Columbus Nebraska State Council (“State Council”) wishes to annually resolve for fealty, commendation, and support; now, therefore:
1. RESOLVED, we pledge faith and loyalty to our Holy Father, His Holiness, Pope Francis; and FURTHER RESOLVED, we pray for the Roman Pontiff Emeritus, His Holiness, Benedict XVI, and offer thanksgiving to God for having provided such a great and holy man to lead his faithful.
2. RESOLVED, we express our gratitude and appreciation to Supreme Knight, Carl Anderson, for his outstanding vision, leadership, and successful direction of the Order during the past year; and FURTHER RESOLVED, we express our sincere appreciation and support to each Supreme Officer, Supreme Director, and staff for untiring efforts on our behalf during the past Year.
3. RESOLVED, we extend our gratitude to His Excellency, The Most Reverend William Dendinger, Bishop of Grand Island, for his assistance, encouragement and support during the past year, and we pledge to him our continuing loyalty and support.
4. RESOLVED, we extend our gratitude to His Excellency, The Most Reverend James Conley, Bishop of Lincoln, for his assistance, encouragement and support during the past year, and we pledge to him our continuing loyalty and support. FURTHER RESOLVED, we pray for The Most Reverend Fabian Bruskewitz, Bishop Emeritus of Lincoln, and extend our gratitude for his many years of assistance, encouragement and support.
5. RESOLVED, we extend our gratitude to His Excellency, The Most Reverend George J. Lucas, Archbishop of Omaha, for his assistance, encouragement and support during the past year, and we pledge to him our continuing loyalty and support. FURTHER RESOLVED, we pray for The Most Reverend Elden Francis Curtiss, Bishop Emeritus of Omaha, and extend our gratitude for his many years of assistance, encouragement and support.
6. RESOLVED, we express our gratitude to all state, district, and local officers and the councils which they lead for the numerous contributions and excellent work during the past year.
7. RESOLVED, we express our sincere appreciation to the city officials and people of Kearney, Nebraska, for assisting with the preparation and conducting of the 109th Annual Nebraska State Convention, and for the hospitality and splendid efforts in making the State Convention a success.
8. RESOLVED, the State Council is honored to have Supreme Director and Past State Deputy of Texas Javier Martinez as our 2014 Supreme Council Representative and State Dinner guest and speaker; we extend our sincere gratitude and appreciation.
Appendix E
101 9. RESOLVED, we extend our gratitude, appreciation, and support to the Nebraska Columbian Squires Circles, the State Circle and Chairmen, and all officers and counselors thereof.
10. RESOLVED, the State Council continues to support all priests in their tasks with time, energy, and resources, and also with prayers, friendship, kindness, and support for each of them and the office they hold as Jesus’ representatives in our parishes.
B. POSITION RESOLUTIONS.
WHEREAS, the State Council wishes to annually state its position on a variety of topics of particular interest to the State Council and Organization; now, therefore:
1. RESOLVED, we pray for the souls of our deceased Popes and offer thanksgiving to God, the Father of all creation, for providing such great and holy men to lead his faithful.
2. RESOLVED, we pray for the souls of our departed Brother Knights.
3. RESOLVED, we recommend to the Supreme Council that the Board of Directors and Supreme Officers continue to pursue the cause of sainthood of Servant of God, the Venerable Father Michael J. McGivney; and FURTHER RESOLVED, we urge each subordinate council to pray the Prayer for the Canonization of Father Michael J. McGivney at each council meeting and other opportune times.
4. RESOLVED, we pledge to continue to seek the reversal of court decisions legalizing abortion and the re-establishment of full legal protection for the unborn; and FURTHER RESOLVED, pending this result, we pledge to continue support of laws and public policies limiting the performance of abortion as much as possible; and FURTHER RESOLVED, we pledge to continue the activities of the Order at all levels to inform, educate, and motivate our own members, the public at large, and public officials regarding the dignity and sanctity of human life at all stages, from conception to natural death, and the evils of abortion and other offenses against innocent life.
5. RESOLVED, we pledge to support the lawful challenge of all Government legislation, regulation, and policy that requires the furnishing of reproductive services without exception.
6. RESOLVED, we pledge to continue support for traditional marriage between one man and one woman; and FURTHER RESOLVED, we pledge to continue the activities of the Knights of Columbus at all levels to oppose laws and public policies legalizing or supporting “homosexual marriage”, “same- sex marriage”, and/or similar unions.
7. RESOLVED, we again call on our Members as we have in the past, to combat the transmission of pornography, filth, horror, and glorification of crime and indecency in the press, motion pictures, television programs, video games, and on the internet by boycotting purveyors of the same and praying the rosary dedicated to said cause every Sunday.
8. RESOLVED, we call on members of subordinate councils in Nebraska to support and participate in programs on the local parish level and to give their constant support to the continuation of the private education systems that have well served the state and our nation.
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9. RESOLVED, the State Council again encourages all subordinate councils to pray for vocations at every council meeting in the Nebraska jurisdiction.
10. RESOLVED, the State Council encourages subordinate councils to support the Newman Centers and Catholic parishes of college youth in Nebraska, to provide continuing Catholic education and social support to our youth in college.
C. AUTHORIZING RESOLUTIONS.
WHEREAS, the State Council wishes to annually authorize certain actions and requirements; now, therefore:
1. RESOLVED, the State Council shall host the annual workshop forum during the 2015 State Convention and pay the fair and reasonable expenses thereof.
2. RESOLVED, the State Council shall host an annual Chaplains’ Seminar during the 2015 State Convention and pay the fair and reasonable expenses thereof.
3. RESOLVED, the State Council shall prepare, publish, and distribute a State Directory for the 2014- 2015 Columbian Year and pay the actual expenses thereof.
4. RESOLVED, the State Council shall publish the Knights Courier quarterly for the 2014-2015 Columbian Year and pay the fair and reasonable expenses thereof; and FURTHER RESOLVED, each issue of the Knights Courier published during the 2014-2015 Columbian Year shall be delivered to each member of each subordinate council as reflected by the membership records maintained at the office of the Supreme Council by electronic transmission (email), U.S. Postal Service, hand-delivery, or other reasonably reliable means as determined and directed by the State Council Executive Committee (“Executive Committee”) and that the fair and reasonable expenses thereof be paid by the State Council.
5. RESOLVED, the State Council shall continue to levy an annual assessment on the subordinate councils of eight dollars and seventy-five cents ($8.75) per capita, payable pursuant to The First Revised and Restated Bylaws of the Nebraska State Council of the Knights of Columbus, and all such prior assessments made and collected are approved.
6. RESOLVED, the State Council per diem and mileage rate referenced in The First Revised and Restated Bylaws of the Nebraska State Council of the Knights of Columbus shall be as follows: Per diem shall be Fifteen Dollars ($15.00); and, Mileage shall be Forty Five Cents ($0.45) per mile one way; and FURTHER RESOLVED, all such prior assessments made and collected are approved.
7. RESOLVED, for the 2014-2015 Columbian Year the Executive Committee shall be and is authorized to pay expenses and obligations of the State Council and select and disburse State Council funds to organizations the Executive Committee deems worthy of support as determined at any regular or special meeting of the Committee, and that all such proper payments and disbursements made during the past year are approved.
103 8. RESOLVED, the State Council shall prepare, publish, and/or distribute annually a Report of Charitable Disbursements in a form and at a time as determined and directed by the Executive Committee.
II. NEW PROPOSED RESOLUTIONS
A. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE PROPOSED RESOLUTIONS. WHEREAS, the Executive Committee proposes the following resolutions:
1. RESOLVED, we express our gratitude to James Haiar, Nebraska Immediate Past State Deputy, for his loyal service, numerous contributions, and excellent work during the past year.
2. RESOLVED, we express our gratitude to Michael G. Conrad, Nebraska Past State Deputy and Supreme Director for his loyal service, numerous contributions, and excellent work during the past year.
B. SUBORDINATE COUNCIL PROPOSED RESOLUTIONS. None.
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NEBRASKA STATE COUNCIL YEAR STATE DEPUTY STATE CHAPLAIN 1905-06 Timothy J. Mahoney, Omaha Rev Thomas Walsh, Norfolk 1906-07 Constantine J. Smythe, Omaha Rev Thomas Walsh, Norfolk 1907-09 Constantine J. Smythe, Omaha Rev W. G. McNamara, Alliance 1909-11 Arthur F. Mullen, O’Neill Rev William Windolf, Creighton 1911-13 W. E. Straub, Lincoln Msgr W. Wolf, Grand Island 1913-15 Thomas P. Redmond, Omaha Most Rev J. H. Tihen, Lincoln 1915-19 George F. Corcoran Msgr L. A. Dunphy, Sutton 1919-21 Edward J. Whelen, O’Neill Msgr L. A. Dunphy, Sutton 1921-23 William J. McNichols, Lexington Msgr L. A. Dunphy, Sutton 1923-25 Francis P. Matthews, Omaha Rev Anton Link, Sidney 1925-27 William M. Whelen, Hastings Rev Anton Link, Sidney 1927-29 Dr. E. E. Zimmerer, Lincoln Msgr James W. Stenson, Omaha 1929-31 Albert A. Kjar, Lexington Rev Anton Link, Sidney 1931-33 John W. Delchant, Beatrice Rev Anton Link, Sidney 1933-36 John E. Fitzpatrick, Omaha Rev Anton Link, Sidney 1936-38 Dr. L. A. Donahoe, Omaha Rev Anton Link, Sidney 1938-40 Richard A. Daughtery, Kearney Rev Anton Link, Sidney 1940-42 Dr. J. R. Hughes, St. Paul Most Rev John L. Paschang, Omaha 1942-44 James L. Kudrna, Wahoo Most Rev John L. Paschang, Omaha 1944-46 Charles L. McDonald, Omaha Rev Francis J. Tschida, Kearney 1946-48 Edward A. Dosek, Lincoln Rev William A. Murphy, David City 1948-50 George W. Dittrick, Norfolk Msgr Joseph B. Falke, VF, Creighton 1950-52 Cyril P. Shaughnessy, St. Paul Rev Leo Keating, Grand Island 1952-54 George M. McCarthy, O’Neill Rev Clarence J. Crowley, Hebron 1954-56 Glenn J. McEniry, Kearney Rev Virgil P. Walkowiak, West Point 1956-58 Ernest A. Ondracek, Greeley Rev Raymond Miles, Chadron 1958-60 Leon V. Michael, Lincoln Msgr M. M. Kaszmarek, Lincoln 1960-62 George A. Nussrallah, Omaha Rev Edward J. Hunkeler, Bloomfield 1962-64 Walter F. Mruz, Fremont Msgr Lawrence A. Portney, Lexington 1964-66 Raymond J. Burbach, Hebron Msgr Charles J. Keenan, Hebron 1966-68 Leonard Feehan, Columbus Rev Charles Oborny, VF, Verdigree 1968-70 H. Edward Jacobi, Hastings Rev Stanley C. Gorak, Ord 1970-72 Kenneth D. Holmes, Chester Msgr A. J. Kisko, David City 1972-74 John H. McCarville, O’Neill Rev Emmett F. Meyer, Columbus 1974-76 Edward L. Wagner, Winnetoon Rev Hubert J. Spanel, Ainsworth 1976-78 John T. Carpenter, Omaha Msgr John J. McCabe, Wahoo 1978-80 Edgar N. Portz, North Platte Rev Frederick Snyder, Anselmo 1980-82 Jerome F. Jarecke, Columbus Rev Edmund Placek, Burwell 1982-84 Thomas Olson, Fremont Msgr Robert Nienaber, Cedar Rapids
Appendix F
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1984-86 Richard Batenhorst, North Platte Msgr Ivan Vap, Hastings 1986-88 Eugene Bartunek, David City Rev Raymond Hain, McCook 1988-90 Jerome Smith, David city Rev John Cook, Burwell 1990-92 Robert H. Ostdiek, Gretna Msgr Robert P. Hupp, Boystown 1992-94 Larry J. Reed, Bellevue Rev Lyle M. Johnson, Nebraska City 1994-96 Rod J. Hofschulte, Omaha Msgr Andrew Meister, Cedar Bluffs 1996-98 Allen Koliha, Clarkson Rev Daniel Soltys, Gretna 1998-00 Howard Gaffney, Anselmo Rev Daniel Soltys, Gretna 2000-02 John M. Lukowski, Omaha Rev Daniel Soltys, Gretna 2002-04 John F Smith, Broken Bow Most Rev Lawrence McNamara, Grand Island Fr. Robert Rooney, Kearney 2004-06 John Melena, Wayne Most Rev William Dendinger, Grand Island 2006-08 Donald A. Ferneding, Beatrice Rev Michael Gutgsell, Omaha 2008-10 Michael G. Conrad, Fort Calhoun Rev James Tiegs, Omaha 2010-13 James N Haiar Rev Scott A. Hastings Rev Norman Hunke (City of residence during term of office) (Some titles may reflect later honors)
Appendix F
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