Each week we will be providing updates surrounding our project and what is happening in the area. We have had two groups of volunteers out and assisting our farmers affected. They were able to work several days to help local farmers in the initial clean up and recovery stages! Positive things are happening in the area. We have our work days set up on April 22nd, May 22nd, 23rd, and 24th. Also we have our fencing pick up days scheduled for April 13th and April 22nd, see more information below!
Information for Volunteers
The first work dates have been set, with more anticipated in the future. If you have registered here, then you have received this message through email as well! If you are still wanting to sign up to volunteer, please fill in the google document here.
April 22nd, 9:00 am
Please complete this survey: https://ssp.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cUqLRDL4tqd8GPP by 5:00 pm April 12th, 2019 to match your skills to volunteer positions. By completing this survey, you are confirming your availability to volunteer this day. With this information you will be assigned to a worksite prior to April 22nd. Work locations will be based on ag producer needs and will be announced via email, please check the email you provide in the survey regularly. Thank you for being flexible regarding details of your volunteer assignment! Our planning team will be doing our best to match availability of volunteers to ag producer needs based on weather conditions between now and work date, in addition to access to work locations. Lunch, snacks and early supper provided. Lodging is not provided for this work date. All volunteers must wear jeans, closed toe shoes/boots, long sleeve shirt, bring leather gloves and must be 13 years old. As a volunteer individual or group, you will be working under a lead volunteer in coordination with land owner. A volunteer release form will be sent with volunteer assignment details. Please print and complete one for each volunteer in your group prior to arriving to expedite the check-in process. This will be required of ALL volunteers, including a parent signature for minors.
May 23rd, 24th, 25th – start times are TBA.
Please complete this survey: https://ssp.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_dopsSxmSGyIiWPj by May 1st, 2019 to match your skills to volunteer positions. By completing this survey, you are confirming your availability to volunteer these day(s). With this information you will be assigned to a worksite prior to work dates. Work locations will be based on ag producer needs and will be announced via email, please check the email you provide in the survey regularly. Thank you for being flexible regarding details of your volunteer assignment! Our planning team will be doing our best to match availability of volunteers to ag producer needs based on weather conditions between now and work dates, in addition to access to work locations. Lunch, snacks and supper will be included for volunteers. Volunteers must be 13 years old. Lodging options are available. For free lodging at Lakeview High School or hotel block information, please contact Catherine Chmelka at cchmelka@lakeview.esu7.org. A volunteer release form will be sent with volunteer assignment details. Please print and complete one for each volunteer in your group prior to arriving to expedite the check-in process. This will be required of ALL volunteers, including a parent signature for minors.
Information for Farmers and Landowners
You have registered with Nebraska Extension in Platte and Colfax Counties for the Platte Area Flood Relief Program. The following dates are set work days if you are in need of volunteers or picking up fencing materials. Our ultimate goal is to provide everyone with some kind of aid, whether it is fencing materials or volunteers. If you know someone in need, please encourage them to contact 402-563-4901 to get registered before April 12th.
What we need to get started
- Location of your farm or areas affected, best method to contact you, and to ensure your needs are met with volunteers as best possible, the work/services that you need volunteers to complete on your acres.
- This information can be given to the extension office at 402-563-4901.
April 13th-Fencing Pick-Up Ag Park
- Fencing materials can be picked from Ag Park (822 15th St, Columbus) near the Behlen Barn from 5:00 to 6:00 pm. The method of distribution of fencing is “Everyone gets something”, please come pick up a pallet of fencing materials for the first round of distribution. This will be the only pick up time until April 22nd. Feed and miscellaneous vet supplies are also available and will also be distributed on a first come first serve basis during this time.
April 22nd-Volunteers and Fencing Supplies Pick-Up Ag Park
- If you have indicated you need volunteers or you are interested in having volunteers help on your farm, we will have several crews from various states that will be available to assist. These volunteers will have liability waivers and be appropriately dressed to help. Volunteers will be fed and transported by the Platte Area Flood Relief Program.
- You will receive an itinerary for the volunteers and phone numbers for the foreman in charge of the volunteer group.
- The week before more details will be available and communicated to you via email or phone.
- The second round of fencing materials will be packaged and ready for pick up at Ag Park near the Behlen Barn from 5:00 to 6:00 pm. The method of distribution of fencing is “Everyone gets something”, come and get another around of fencing supplies. This is our last known time for distribution, another time will not be scheduled until more donations are received and you will be notified.
May 23, 24th, 25th -Volunteers and Fence Building
- If you have indicated you need volunteers or you are interested in having volunteers help on your farm, we will have several crews from various states that will be available to assist. These volunteers will have liability waivers and be appropriately dressed to help. Volunteers will be fed and transported by the Platte Area Flood Relief Program.
- You will receive an itinerary for the volunteers and phone numbers for the foreman in charge of the volunteer group.
- The week before more details will be available and communicated to you via email or phone.
Upcoming Agency Meetings
Colfax County will have an agency meeting on Thursday April 11th from 1 to 3 pm at 175 Higgins Dr, Schuyler, NE and in Nance County at the Extension Office located at 304 Third Street Fullerton, NE on April 11th from 5 to 7pm.
Keep checking in and please call our office at 402-563-4901 for more information. If you want to register or know someone in need please send them my way!
Thank you for your continued support of our efforts!
Nebraska Extension, Lakeview FFA, Lakeview FFA Alumni, and members of the Platte Area Flood Relief Team