Nebraska State Council Knights of Columbus · NEBRASKA STATE COUNCIL, KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS HELD IN...

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


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


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


Stephen Graff

1709 4th

St

Fairbury NE 68352

(402) 300-0485


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


Jeffrey Steffen (Amy)

1502 Sheridan Dr.

Norfolk NE 68701


Ignacio (Iggy) Cervantes (Adela)

6417 Elmhurst Dr.

Omaha NE 68157

(402) 933-9674


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:

Award Division Place Type Council Council Name City Grand

Knight/Recipient

Council

Given For

Gym Remodel

Supreme Service 11280

Msgr. Maurice 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

Backpack

Supreme 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 Baptism

Supreme Service 11280


Mass for the Silver Rose State Service 10047 Fr. John V. Wallace Gretna Marty Stednitz

Culture of Life Art Contest

Given For

First Place

2272 St. Joseph's West Point

Michael O'Brien/Zoey Kreikemeier

Second Place

11600 St. Bernard Omaha

Kevin Simons/Robert

Badura

Third Place

10909 St. Wenceslaus Omaha

Brent Kollars/Emerson

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


13956

Pope John Paul II Council Omaha Dan Leuck


1966 Fr. Shine Plattsmouth Patrick O'Shea


1159 St. Mary's Grand Island Douglas Maul


10909 St. Wenceslaus Omaha Brent Kollars

Division 1 Second Place

7734 St. John Neuman Arapahoe/Cambridge Kelly Evans


9704 St. Mary's Lincoln Timothy Suer


1708 Pope Leo XIII York Dale Schoening


8469 St. Vincent DePaul Seward Gary Petersen


10795 St. Vincent DePaul Omaha William Yosick

Vocations

Support of Vocation

Given For

15407

St. Margret Mary Alacoque Lincoln Rodney Flink

2681

Fr. Timothy P. Molony Scottsbluff

Richard Forsstrom Jr.

Publicity


10815

Our Lady of Guadalupe Omaha Ignacio Cervantes


10894 St. Joseph Springfield Alvin Thibault


11001 Blessed Sacrament Lincoln Kevin Ostdiek


11280



12086 St. Isidore Columbus Mark Gearhart


10163 St. Joseph's Benkelman/Stratton Bruce DeSautels


10412 St. Francis Borgia Blair Joseph Lager


1723 Beatrice Beatrice Robert Ostdiek


2388 St. Joseph's Broken Bow Jeffrey Wardyn


6192 Columban Bellevue Daniel Whitehead

Membership Awards


15407

St. Margaret Mary Alacoque Lincoln Rodney Flink


7714 John Paul I Superior Matthew Blum


13584

St. Michael's of Spalding Spalding Brandon Koch


14077

St. Charles Borromeo Omaha Jason Lawrence


10047 Fr. John V. Wallace Gretna Marty Stednitz


7734 St. John Neuman Arapahoe/Cambridge Kelly Evans


14470

Immaculate Conception Church Omaha Bruce Bianchetta


6268

Creighton University Omaha Conan Rainwater


4979

Msgr. Peter J. Kenney Ogallala Paul Ruhlman


2411 St. Boniface Elgin Brent Kalhoff

Division 1 Third Place

15101 St. Pius the Tenth Omaha Gregory Barry


10607 St. Rose of Lima Genoa Dan Rosno


13576

Father Peter A Welling Lincoln Gary Taylor


2388 St. Joseph's Broken Bow Jeffrey Wardyn


10909 St. Wenceslaus Omaha Brent Kollars

Ongoing Projects

Given For

Father Foster Golf

Tournament 9518 Fr. William A.

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 Church 13576


Family Medical

Expenses 11001 Blessed Sacrament Lincoln Kevin Ostdiek

Ceremonials Award

Gretna

Robert Ostdiek, PSD

Council of the Year


4434 Little Blue Fairbury Joshua Whitney


11600 St. Bernard Omaha Kevin Simons




2681

Fr. Timothy P. Molony Scottsbluff

Richard Forsstrom Jr.


10047 Fr. John V. Wallace Gretna Marty Stednitz


14320 St. James Cortland Chris Hytrek


7714 John Paul I Superior Matthew Blum


1723 Beatrice Beatrice Robert Ostdiek


14077

St Charles Borromeo Omaha Jason Lawrence


11280



15407

St. Margaret Mary Alacoque Lincoln Rodney Flink


10815

Our Lady of Guadalupe Omaha Ignacio Cervantes


13576



5455 St. Josaphat's Loup City Jerome Kowalski


12086 St. Isidore Columbus Mark Gearhart

College Collegiate

Award

Given For

13015

Our Lady of Good Counsel Lincoln Levi Baus

Support of College

Given For


Community

Given For

Eucharistic

13015 Our Lady of Good Lincoln Levi Baus

Procession Counsel

Church

Given For

Seminarian Annuity

Payments


Council

Given For

Community "Knights"

13015


Culture of Life

Given For

Baby Bottle Drive

13015


Family

Given For

Catholic Social Service Work

13015


Youth

Given For

Soup Supper for FOCUS

11280


DD of the Year

Councils Served

First Place

Peter Peil

Second Place

Woodrow 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

Service Award

Swanson 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.


, 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.


, 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


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


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 109

th

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.


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 #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 #10, how many delegates do you have registered in your district. I have ___8_____.
























District #34, how many delegates do you have registered in your district. I have ___7____.





District #39, 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


, 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 #8, how many delegates do you have registered in your district. I have ____3___.































District #39, 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


Thomas Lynch


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.


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.


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.


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.


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.


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.


Raymond A. Mann


Allen Koliha, PSD

District 15 Worthy State Deputy Richard Lowery, State Officers, Fellow District Deputies, State Directors,


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.


Alan F. Finn


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.


Robert Hauser


Allan Kluthe

District 19 State Deputy Rich Lowery and my Brother Knights of Nebraska attending the 109

th 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.


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


Donald Batenhorst

District 23 Worthy State Deputy Richard Lowery, State Officers, Fellow District Deputies, State Directors,


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 1

st 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.


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.


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.


Allan Rolf


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.


James Arens


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.


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.


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.


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.


Robert Wolf

District 33 Worthy State Deputy Richard W. Lowery, State Officers, Fellow District Deputies State Directors,


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.


Gene H. Kuhn


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.


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.


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.


Peter J. Peil


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.


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.


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.


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.


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.


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.


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!


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.


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


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


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


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.


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.


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.


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.


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.


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;


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.


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.


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.


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.


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.


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.


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

101

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


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


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

102

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.

103

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.

104

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.

105

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

106

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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