Minutes save lives, and the Village of Oakdale and Oakdale Volunteer Fire Department are hoping they’re in a better situation to do just that thanks to a recent purchase. The Oakdale village council, fire department and rural fire board approved the purchase of an AED defibrillator last month and now have it in place at the fire department, should it be needed. “It’s right across from the city offices and from the community center,” said Jeff Treu, member of the Oakdale Fire Department and Tilden Rescue. “It’s accessible, as it should be in a rural community.” Treu, who works for Lifeguard MD, said he was approached about having one in Oakdale because time is of the essence in an emergency situation. “Ten miles is a long distance when somebody has a heart attack,” Treu said. “This machine is going to save lives.” Treu said the defibrillator was unanimously approved by the village council, which split the cost three ways with the fire department and rural fire board. The cost of the machine - $1,800 - was a key factor since the price has dropped by thousands of dollars in recent years, Treu said. But most importantly, he said, is the ease of use because training really isn't necessary. It's equipped with all of the instruction needed for a first-time user in an emergency. “It’s amazing how easy these are to use. Even my 4 1/2-year-old granddaughter used it correctly on a dummy,” Treu said. “It has audio instructions and pictures. It’s easy to use and can be used on any surface, even metal, or if you just pull someone out of the pool. They don't have to be dry.” Treu said larger models are available for ambulance units that send heart monitor data directly to the hospital the STEMI heart attack patient is being transported to in order to enhance emergency medical response. Applications are now being accepted for the Lifeline EMS Equipment Grant for these machines. To ensure the grants go to smaller communities, services with physical addresses in the counties of Cass, Douglas, Sarpy, Saunders, Washington, Lancaster and Seward are not eligible to apply. In order to qualify, the service must receive at least 100 calls per year and must apply by August 31, 2014. Click for grant information. “A lot of area communities are applying for these grants,” Treu said. “Tilden, Elgin, Neligh and lots of others. This is a great tool to save lives. Defibrillators like we put in Oakdale aren't that expense and should be installed in every police unit, too. After all, they are generally first on the scene and could potentially save a life."
An Antelope County supervisor charged with felony theft by deception has requested a continuance in his case. Harlan Brandt, 62, of Oakdale was scheduled to make his first appearance in Antelope County Court on Wednesday; however, his attorney, Ron Temple of Norfolk, motioned for a continuance. Judge Donna Farrell Taylor granted the continuance and Brandt's arraignment was set for July 2 at 9:30 a.m. Antelope County Attorney Joe Abler requested a special prosecutor in the case, and Madison County Attorney Joe Smith was assigned. According to Smith, Brandt was charged with theft by deception, a class IV felony, due to the items totaling more than $500. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 5 years in jail. He said Brandt is accused of charging gas to the county and the theft of county property. The allegations took place between June 2011 and April 2014. Due to statute of limitations, Smith said he could only charge Brandt with actions allegedly taking place during the last three years. Brandt is serving his third four-year term as supervisor, representing District 6. When asked how this charge affects Brandt's serving on the Board of Supervisors, Smith said he could not comment and that his status will be determined by the rest of the supervisors. No action has been taken by the board at this time. According to Smith, the initial investigation began with the Antelope County Sheriff’s office in December 2013 and then was turned over to the Nebraska State Patrol and the Nebraska Attorney General’s office.
The Oakdale Cemetery Association is planning its annual clean up day on Saturday, May 17. A chicken luncheon will follow. Clean up will begin at 9 a.m. Volunteers are asked to bring mowers, trimmers and saws. After the clean up, a lunch will be served at the information booth in the cemetery. In case of inclement weather, the clean up day will be held on Monday, May 19. |
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