News Articles

Rural bankers economic survey index drops

WNTA — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 17:51:37 +0000

By MARGERY A. BECK / The Associated Press | Posted: Friday, February 19, 2010

OMAHA -- Rural bankers believe that a hiring drought, fear of anemic commodity prices and concern over the high cost of farming are hurting the Midwest's rural economy, according to survey results released Friday.

Bankers from 11 Midwest and Plains states who participated in the Rural Mainstreet survey were asked to identify the biggest economic challenge to the region's economy in 2010. More than a third -- 38 percent -- said they expect a lack of new hiring by businesses to be the most significant hurdle.

About 30 percent said weak commodity prices will be the largest problem, while 16 percent cited expectations of high input prices to farm, such as for fertilizer, animal feed and fuel.

Governor's nudge helps raise pay

WNTA — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 20:36:45 +0000

Sunday September 20, 2009
By Joe Dejka
WORLD-HERALD STAFF WRITER

Teachers across Nebraska are winning pay raises in a tough economy, and union officials credit stimulus money and a controversial letter from the governor.

The pay raises have come despite uncertainty in how school districts will cover expanding payrolls when stimulus money runs out.

Some school board members have complained that Gov. Dave Heineman wrote a letter encouraging teachers union leaders to work with school districts to spend the stimulus for better salaries.

Mike Groene does our tax homework - Editorial

WNTA — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 19:32:13 +0000

Published: Wednesday, July 8, 2009 4:14 AM CDT

Mike Groene, the president of the Western Nebraska Taxpayers Association, is a great asset to North Platte and Nebraska.

He is the person who will stand up to the crowd, the person who is unafraid to look at the emperor and say "he's not wearing any clothes." He is the person who will stand up to the momentum of government, the momentum of government boards and the momentum of increasing taxation.