What's New

.

.

 

I hope to stand firm enough to not go backward, and yet not go forward fast enough to wreck the country's cause.

Abraham Lincoln

 

---

.

 

The Murray Freedom Festival Board of Trustees and Volunteers will meet at 7 p.m., on Tuesday, June 2, 2020, at the Murray Town Hall, 106 W. Main Street, Murray, NE.

Everyone's welcome to attend!

.

---

.

.

.

---

.

DONATE BLOOD!

JUNE 1, 2020

1:30 ~ 6:30 PM

Call 402-235-2527 for details.

* * * * * 

RED CROSS UPDATE, 2020-05-28:

Urgent need for blood donations as hospital demand increases
T-shirts, $5 Amazon.com Gift Cards offered to thank all those who come to give

The American Red Cross has an urgent need for blood donations to prevent another blood shortage as hospitals resume surgical procedures and patient treatments that were temporarily paused earlier this spring in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Healthy individuals who are feeling well are asked to make an appointment to donate in the weeks and months ahead by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.

In recent weeks, hospital demand for blood products has grown by 30% after sharply declining in early April amid this rapidly changing and complex public health crisis. At the same time, blood drives continue to be canceled as many businesses and community organizations remain closed. Donors are needed to make and keep scheduled appointments to help meet the current need.

All those who come to give through May 31 will receive a special Red Cross T-shirt by mail, while supplies last. And thanks to Amazon, all those who come to give June 1-30 will receive a $5 Amazon.com Gift Card via email.*

“Blood donors have played a vital role in the lives of patients who have needed lifesaving transfusions during this pandemic, and patients continue to depend on donors each and every day,” said Paul Sullivan, senior vice president, Red Cross Blood Services. “The Red Cross appreciates the support of those who rolled up a sleeve to give in recent months, but the need doesn’t stop. We need the public’s help to avoid another blood shortage this summer.”

It’s important to remember that red blood cells must be transfused within 42 days of donation and platelets within just five days. So, they must constantly be replenished. There is no known end date in this fight against coronavirus, and the Red Cross urgently needs the help of donors and blood drive hosts to ensure blood products are readily available for patients.

Blood drive safety precautions:

Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows the highest standards of safety and infection control, and additional precautions – including temperature checks, social distancing and face coverings for donors and staff – have been implemented to ensure the health of all those in attendance. Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at the drive and are required to wear a face covering or mask while at the drive, in alignment with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention public guidance.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities, Now - June 15:

Cass County, NE

Avoca
6/15/2020: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Town Hall, 623 House St

Elmwood
6/15/2020: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Fire Hall, 601 N 4th

Louisville
6/10/2020: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Louisville Senior Center, Louisville Senior Center, 423 Elm St

Murray
6/1/2020: 1:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., Murray Christian Church, 304 W Young St

Plattsmouth
6/2/2020: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Nebraska Masonic Home, 1300 Ave D

.

---

.

UPDATE, 2020-05-28:
Town Hall in Murray, NE is planning to open the Clerk's office to the public on June 1st.
Assessing late charges and disconnection services for utility bills will be back in force at that time.

.

---

.

.

.

---

.

---

.

Treasurer Murante and NEST 529 Kick Off $100 New Account Bonus Program

200 New Accounts to Receive the Bonus in Celebration of 5/29 Day

Lincoln, Neb. (May 26, 2020)— Nebraska State Treasurer John Murante and First National Bank of Omaha today announced the launch of the NEST 529 College Savings Plan New Account Bonus Program, which will offer a $100 bonus contribution to the first 200 new NEST 529 accounts opened with a balance of $100 or more. In celebration of 5/29 Day (May 29th), the Bonus Program will raise awareness and broaden access to college savings with NEST 529.

Account beneficiaries must be 8 years old or younger by time of entry to qualify as eligible for the New Account Bonus Program. To open account and claim the bonus with the promotion code listed online, visit NEST529.com/bonus.

“The national awareness 5/29 Day serves as an important reminder of the need to save for college and as a celebration of the many benefits of college savings plans. What better opportunity to offer a new account bonus and compound those benefits with NEST 529?” said Nebraska State Treasurer John Murante. “I am proud that with this bonus, NEST 529 is further upping the ante, making college savings that much more accessible for hundreds of families across the country.”

With more than a quarter of a million accounts nationwide, and over 89,000 in Nebraska, the NEST 529 College Savings Plan is a steadfast partner in the journey to higher education.

“Getting an early start to college savings is one of the smartest financial decisions a family can make. By investing early and often in a NEST 529 account, parents, grandparents and other loved ones give themselves the time and foresight they need to meet the rising costs of college,” said Deborah Goodkin, Managing Director, Savings Plans, First National Bank of Omaha. “This bonus is a fantastic opportunity to kick off the college savings journey. At NEST 529 we look forward to celebrating this important day and remain committed to providing the best possible tools and resources for college savings every day of the year.”

More information is available at NEST529.com or treasurer.nebraska.gov.

About NEST 529
NEST 529 is a tax-advantaged 529 college savings plan and provides four plans to help make saving for college simple and affordable: NEST Direct College Savings Plan, NEST Advisor College Savings Plan, TD Ameritrade 529 College Savings Plan, and State Farm 529 Savings Plan. The Nebraska State Treasurer serves as Program Trustee. First National Bank of Omaha serves as Program Manager, and all investments are approved by the Nebraska Investment Council. Families nationwide are saving for college using Nebraska’s 529 College Savings Plans, which have more than 275,000 accounts, including over 89,000 in Nebraska. Visit NEST529.com and treasurer.nebraska.gov for more information.

About First National Bank of Omaha
First National Bank is a subsidiary of First National of Nebraska. First National and its affiliates have more than $23 billion in assets and 5,000 employee associates. Primary banking offices are located in Nebraska, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, South Dakota and Texas.

Investments Are Not FDIC Insured* · No Bank, State or Federal Guarantee · May Lose Value
*Except the Bank Savings Investment Option

.

---

.

Ah, the Golden Rule. Most likely you were taught this simple, common 'courtesy' as a toddler at your parent's knee. Treat others the way you want them to treat you.  To have a friend, be a friend.  It's one of our very first rules of life.

Stop signs, traffic lights, speed limits are rules to protect the general public. Rescue and safety vehicles with sirens and flashing lights serve the same purpose. Fences and caution tape are used to warn of unsafe areas. Stickers and tags on appliances, machinery, tools and all sorts of things warn us of impending danger, should they be used in unsafe ways. Protection in public places against second-hand smoke is for all of those who choose to not put smoke into their own lungs. These rules are to protect ALL of US.

Are you someone who goes through stop signs and red lights with no regard for other drivers? Would you want someone to do that to you, to your child or your best friend?

Do you pull over when rescue vehicles are rushing to help save someone’s life? If you were in an ambulance, would you want someone pulling out in an intersection, slowing down your trip to the hospital? What if someone you loved was in that ambulance?

Do you use electric machinery near water that does not have properly grounded safety cords? Why not? Would you use an electric razor while showering? Not if you want to live!

Many people have a life-threatening food or medicine allergy. Would you want someone giving your best friend, your parent or your child food or medicine that could take his or her life?

Millions of people have ‘underlying health conditions’. They might have heart problems, cancer, kidney or liver disease or a whole host of other terrible conditions. If you have ever had a friend or loved one with any one of these conditions, and your doctor told you that you had a highly contagious, possibly fatal, disease, would you rush to tell your friend or loved one in person? Of course not. You wouldn’t want to put them in more danger. Or would you?

If you have allergies, what suddenly makes you sneeze or your eyes itch? Can you always see the pollen in the air? Not always, but something is there.

When you’re outside in the wintertime and you can ‘see your breath’, yep…germs are in that 'breath fog’ around you and your friends.

It's been proven that rules of the road and safety warnings save lives, so
why is wearing a mask for safety any different now, while we're all waiting for a vaccine for the covid-19 virus?

What is so difficult to understand here? It's easy, cheap, and even the laziest person in the world should be able to put on a mask. You don’t have one? Tear up an old shirt, pillowcase or just use a bandana handkerchief. If you’re reading this, look online for ‘how to make a covid-19 mask’. Just fold a piece of fabric and put it over your nose and mouth. Wash it in hot water when you get home and wear a clean one each time you leave your property to go anywhere. Put on a mask when leave home each time.  Get in the habit of wearing it. Always put one near your wallet and keys.  When winter rolls around, wearing a mask will also help against spreading colds and flu.  We sure don't want more of those common illnesses on top of what we already may be facing.

You don't even have to study for or take written test to put on a mask, like you did when you were learning to drive, but just as on the road, there will always be someone being selfish, breaking the rules and putting others in danger. You should want to be better than that. 

Remember those with the ‘underlying conditions’? They, too, would like to enjoy meeting a friend or going to shop for themselves, but, because of those of you who are not wearing masks, many won't even try to enjoy these simple pleasures, They end up stuck at home or waiting in the car, while others shop for them.

Many things are still uncertain about this virus, but there are two things that seem to be true:
1. You cannot see the virus with your naked eye, but you can be a carrier without even knowing it. (You’d be like that invisible pollen.)

2. RESPONSIBLY WEARING MASKS HELPS STOP the SPREAD of COVID-19!

PLEASE.  WEAR A MASK, FOR YOURSELF and FOR  EVERY ONE of US.

DO UNTO OTHERS, AS YOU'D HAVE OTHERS DO UNTO YOU.

.

---

.

We have a Red Cross blood drive coming up on June 1. We are looking for volunteers to work the welcome desk. Please let Pastor Mike or Secretary Stacey know if you are available.

As always, you can find all of the worship services on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZKquR8P0aABq_EmCvcI9Ag

.

---

.

ART CONTEST for YOUTH to AGE 19

World No Tobacco Day Art Contest

Papillion, NE – The world cannot afford another generation deceived by the lies of the commercial tobacco industry, which pretends to promote freedom of personal choice while really ensuring eternal profits – regardless of the millions of people that pay with their life each year.

Each year Tobacco Education & Advocacy of the Midlands (T.E.A.M.) hosts an annual “Bag the Butts” park clean up in honor of the World Health Organization’s “World No Tobacco Day” on May 31st. This year due to social distancing guidelines, the coalition is instead hosting an art contest to engage community youth in stomping out commercial tobacco use.

Have your youth submit an original drawing or artwork that displays living, working or playing tobacco free. Take a picture or scan their art work and send it via T.E.A.M.’s Facebook messenger (www.facebook.com/teamtobaccofree) or info@TEAMTobaccoFree.org.

Include child’s name, age, address and title of artwork. The contest is open to Sarpy and Cass County youth aged 19 and under. The submission deadline is May 27, 2020.

The T.E.A.M. Steering Committee will vote on the top 3 submissions and will award the following prizes:

• 1st place: $25 Amazon gift card (provided by UNMC Vaping Curriculum Partnership), a t-shirt, art displayed on T.E.A.M. social media/website during the week of World No Tobacco Day!

• 2nd place: T-shift and artwork displayed on T.E.A.M. social media/website during the week of World No Tobacco Day!

• 3rd place: Artwork displayed on T.E.A.M. social media/website during the week of World No Tobacco Day!

For more information about Tobacco Free Parks, call Tobacco Education & Advocacy of the Midlands (T.E.A.M.) at 402.593.3022 or email autumnsky.burns@alegent.org.

 .

---

 .

---

.

Here is the link to St. John's website to view the job descriptions and apply:

https://stjbcatholic.com/join-our-team/

 .

---

YES, WE'RE STILL OPEN!

Call 402-235-2247 to place your order and PLEASE, remember to wear a facial protection mask when you pick up your meal.

Thank you!!

Like us on Facebook!

.

---

.

ATTENTION,  

CASS COUNTY NE RESIDENTS:

.

---

.

  

TEN YEARS AGO...

Baseball, Soccer, Kids' Theater and more!

 .

---

.

Now that doctors are advising to wear a face mask when you go to the store, here's an easy to follow pattern for those of you who want to make your own, from Joann Fabrics:

  https://www.joann.com/search?q=maketogivemask&icn=maskproject&ici=maketogive

.

---

.

WEAR YOUR GLOVES RESPONSIBLY

Cross Contamination and Gloves. 

CHECK THIS VIDEO:

https://youtu.be/EuUA05Y-ixY

---

ATTENTION MEMBERS and FRIENDS 

If you have a compromised immune system or do not feel safe going out to a public grocery store, we have 4 volunteers available to help. Please call the church office to request their services 402.235.2527.

Worship this week will be through Facebook Live.

Thank you,
Pastor Mike and the Murray Christian Church Board

.

---

.

WHY FILL OUT THE 2020 CENSUS FORM? 

BECAUSE WE ALL COUNT.

Did you receive a letter from the U.S. Census Bureau yet? If so, be sure to get it filled out and mailed back or you can easily do it online. It only takes a couple of minutes to make a world of difference.

Be sure to have your letter with you when you fill out the form. You'll need the Census ID number on the letter that's assigned to your address. Then go to https://2020census.gov/to complete the form.

Why fill out the form? The information you provide helps the government to determine areas that need federal funding, such as hospitals, food programs, road maintenance, schools, employment opportunities, health-related programs and many others. So you see? This helps you, your family and community.

Another reason to fill it out. IT'S the LAW. Failure to return the form will bring a Census Bureau Interviewer, in person, to your home.

More info can be found here, https://www.census.gov/

.

---

.

Work on the railroad bridge in Murray might alter your schedule.  Plan your route accordingly and be prepared for delays as you travel Highway 1 through town.

Use caution and drive slowly, keeping the construction workers' safety in mind when going through the work zone.

.

---

.

New www.CassLocal.com - Small Business Survival Kit ( Click Here )

.

---

.

CASS COUNTY BUSINESS OWNERS,

CLICK THE FERRIS WHEEL BELOW!

.

.

---

.

---

 .

WHAT DOES YOUR ADVERTISING BUDGET LOOK LIKE? 

IF YOU WANT YOUR BUSINESS TO GROW,

YOU HAVE TO ADVERTISE!

 BUY YOUR OWN AD FOR ONLY $10/MONTH!

CLICK ON THE RED, 'BUY THIS AD', BOX on the RIGHT.

.

.