What's New

 

 

The Spring came suddenly,
bursting upon the world
as a child bursts into a room,
with a laugh and a shout
and hands full of flowers.

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
1807~1882
American poet and educator

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EASIER FOR YOU!

SEE the BLUE 'PAY UTILITIES' BUTTON at the TOP LEFT OF THIS PAGE?  IT'S JUST ANOTHER WAY to MAKE PAYING YOUR MURRAY UTILITY PAYMENTS MORE CONVENIENT and YOU CAN USE it EACH MONTH!

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A fundraising event for the Murray Freedom Festival is being planned for April 30th.  Keep watching for updates!

The first Thursday of each month at 7:00 pm is our monthly planning meeting for our annual 4th of July event at Murray Town Hall. Please join us, everyone's welcome!

www.MurrayFreedomFestivalNE.com

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 Solar Farm Proposal Brings Frustration, Excitement to Cass County Neighbors

https://www.wowt.com/2022/03/15/cass-county-residents-hear-details-about-solar-farm-project/

The next public hearing on the solar farm project, originally scheduled for April 12, has been CANCELED.  After the County Commissioners' regular meeting on March 29, contact the Zoning Office, 402-296-9359, for more info about the next meeting date, location and time.

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Due to costs, the Cass County Election Office is not sending postcards for Vote by Mail to voters. To get your EARLY VOTING BALLOT APPLICATION, you may pick one up at the post office, (where they were placed earlier this year), at the Election Office, or print this form and send it to Cass County Election Commissioner, 201 Main St, Plattsmouth NE 68048. 

Take care of this SOON, so the Election Office will have time to process your request and get the ballot to you in time for the primary election in May. 

(Murray residents may also pick up the form at Town Hall.)

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DOG & CAT PET LICENSES

There's no denying it.  We love our pets!  We feed and water them well, give them adequate shelter and spoil them like crazy with toys and treats. 

However, for the protection and health of all, and to further protect your pets, PER VILLAGE CODE,  you are required to get them vaccinated, licensed and pay the full fees due by May 1st.  In the event they accidentally get out the door and off your property, chances of them being returned to you sooner are much greater with proper tagging and identification.

Your pet's license will be valid for one year, from May 1 - April 30.

Fees for EACH cat or dog: 
Spayed/neutered: $11.25 
NOT spayed/neutered: $26.25

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(Lincoln, NE) For the 20th year, Nebraska State Treasurer John Murante and the Omaha Storm Chasers will be sponsoring the “Why I Want to Go to College” writing sweepstakes, with entries due Monday, April 4, 2022.

Students are asked to reflect on the value of education and what they hope to achieve through higher education. Entries are limited to 750 words and should be sent to Jenna Kniss, Omaha Storm Chasers, 12356 Ballpark Way, Papillion, NE 68046.

Information about the writing sweepstakes is available on the Treasurer’s website at www.treasurer.nebraska.gov/csp/.

Prizes will be awarded to 12 winners in seventh and eighth grades who will receive contributions to the Nebraska Educational Savings Trust (NEST) college savings accounts – including $2,000 for first place, $1,000 for second place, and $500 for third place. Three winners will be chosen from each of Nebraska’s three Congressional districts, and three winners will be chosen from outside Nebraska.

Each Nebraska winner will receive four tickets to the May 22 Storm Chasers game at Werner Park in Papillion where they will be recognized during a brief ceremony.

“Students are facing so many challenges and uncertainties in both their educational and regular lives. This event gives them the opportunity to reflect on the past, while at the same time looking forward to their future accomplishments. It is a wonderful way f

Families can save for college for their children and grandchildren through NEST 529, the state-sponsored 529 college savings program that allows for tax-free investments and tax-free qualified withdrawals. Nebraska account owners can qualify for up to $10,000 a year in state income tax deductions ($5,000 if married filing separately).

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, Bloomwell 529 Education Savings Plan, and State Farm 529 Savings Plan. The Nebraska State Treasurer serves as Program Trustee. Union Bank & Trust 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 294,000 accounts, including over 95,000 Nebraskans. Visit NEST529.com and treasurer.nebraska.gov for more information.

About Union Bank & Trust

Founded in 1917 with over 50 years of family ownership, Union Bank & Trust offers complete banking, lending, investment, and trust services. The bank has 38 full-service and loan production offices in Nebraska and Kansas. It is the third-largest privately owned bank in Nebraska, with bank assets of $6.6 billion and trust assets of $46.9 billion as of December 31, 2021. Voters have chosen Union Bank & Trust as Best Bank, Best Customer Service, Best Work Environment, and Best Financial Planner in Lincoln for ten years running.

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

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T.E.A.M. TOBACCO EDUCATION ADVOCACY of the MIDLANDS

We are thrilled to announce our 2022 educational line-up!

Each month our coalition will focus on educating the community about a specific tobacco issue through our listserv, social media, and advertising. Additionally, at each monthly meeting a national or local speaker will educate our members & guests on the topic. We are currently meeting on the 4th Thursday of the month from 11:30-12:30 via zoom.

Please invite a colleague or friend!

Register HERE.

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Visual and Performing Arts immersion Experience

Open Space for visual, performing arts expands with writing, speech; application is open!

Note: For more information, contact Michael Howie at mhowie@hastings.edu or 402.984.9408.

(Hastings, Nebraska) – Open Space for the Visual and Performing Arts immersion experience for high school students is expanding for it’s summer 2022 program to include creative writing and speech. The application for Open Space and additional details can be found at hastings.edu/openspace.

The immersion programs — one for visual arts and one for performing arts — will run concurrently Sunday, June 12 through Saturday, June 18, 2022, on the Hastings College campus. Creative writing and speech are both in the performing tract, although new electives this year will allow students to cross over into other disciplines and have a broader experience.

“Open Space is a wonderful opportunity for talented high school students, and we’re excited to be expanding even further this year to include creative writing and speech,” said Dr. Annette Vargas, Hastings College vice president of student access, enrollment and performance. “Open Space lets high school students gain many new and creative experiences and really shine as they grow in confidence in their talent and abilities. We simply love hosting them, and providing this opportunity.”

Open Space will accept a total of 80 students for 2022, with about 30 of those spots for a visual arts focus and 50 for a performing arts focus.

The visual arts track will accept high school students who are currently juniors and display a high level of artistic ability. Selected students will spend their week in the world-class Jackson Dinsdale Art Center to gain hands-on experience in a range of art mediums, from glassblowing to sculpture to drawing, and meet Hastings College faculty to discover future opportunities for careers in art.

Open Space for the Performing Arts accepts high school sophomores and juniors with exceptional talent and interest in pursuing music, theatre, creative writing and/or speech in college. This group will focus on advanced techniques and styles within a specific area of music (instrumental, piano, vocal), theatre (acting, technical theatre), creative writing and speech.

Students in both tracks will have the opportunity to rotate among electives, including interdisciplinary electives that give students the opportunity to experience and learn about multiple visual and performing arts areas.

Open Space for the Visual Arts and Performing Arts is valued at more than $1,000, but the Jackson Dinsdale Endowment Fund at the Hastings College Foundation generously grants each student a $750 scholarship to attend, lowering the student commitment to $250. However, no student will be turned away due to finances, as additional assistance is available to families who qualify for the free and reduced lunch program.

Student applications require a letter of recommendation and an audition or portfolio. The deadline to apply is April 1, 2022.

Hastings College is a four-year residential college that focuses on student academic and extracurricular achievement. Hastings’ student-centered initiatives include providing books, an iPad and a two-week study away experience at no additional cost. A block-style semester schedule allows professors and students to focus on fewer classes at a time and promotes hands-on experiences. Discover more at www.hastings.edu.

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NATIONAL BLOOD CRISIS!
Worst Blood Shortage in Over a Decade!

The American Red Cross is facing a national blood crisis – its worst blood shortage in over a decade, posing a concerning risk to patient care. Doctors have been forced to make difficult decisions about who receives blood transfusions and who will need to wait until more products become available. Blood and platelet donations are critically needed to help prevent further delays in vital medical treatments. Please schedule your blood donation today.

Local Volunteers and Blood Donors Needed 

To Schedule Your Upcoming Blood Drive Donation, click HERE or call 1-800­-RED CROSS (1-800­-733-2767):

 

Wednesday, April 20, 2022
Louisville High School
202 West 3rd Street
Louisville, NE 68037
10 AM - 4 PM

Sunday, May 1, 2022
First Baptist Church
16220 Highway 75
Plattsmouth, NE 68048
11 AM - 4 PM

Thursday, May 5, 2022
101 W Eldora Ave
Weeping Water, NE
Noon - 6 pm

 

Monday, May 23, 2022
VFW Post 2543
510 1st Avenue
Plattsmouth, NE 68048
11:30 AM - 5:30 PM

 

Monday, June 6, 2022
Conestoga High School
8404 42 St.
Murray, NE 68409
9 AM - 3 PM

About blood donation

To donate blood, individuals need to bring a blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification that are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also must meet certain height and weight requirements.

Donors can also save up to 15 minutes at the blood drive by completing a RapidPass®. With RapidPass®, donors complete the pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of donation, from a mobile device or computer. To complete a RapidPass®, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

In most cases, those who have received a COVID-19 vaccine can donate. However, knowing the name of the manufacturer of the vaccine they received is important in determining donation eligibility

Blood drive safety

Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows the highest standards of safety and infection control, and additional precautions – including face masks for donors and staff, regardless of vaccination status – have been implemented to help protect the health of all those in attendance. Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at the drive.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on Twitter at @RedCross.

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 MASONIC HOME JOBS UPDATE 2022-03-16

 

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All children need a secure place to learn and grow. The ideal place should be in their own home, however many kids are not that fortunate.

In times of neglect or abuse, a child must sometimes be removed from their home at a moment's noticed and placed in a warm, safe place. Kids of all ages, from birth through high school, sometimes need the help of the Child Saving Institute.

CSI helps foster parents and biological families learn the skills they need for a safe, well-cared-for, and loving family life.During this unsettling time of covid-19, the Murray Christian Church is collecting essential cleaning items for the Child Saving Institute.

If you would like to donate, here are some things they could use:Pine Sol, Lysol Disinfectant Spray, sanitizing wipes, latex and powder-free disposable gloves, (L & XL), and hand sanitizer.

Please bring items to Murray Christian Church, 304 W Young St, Murray, NE on Wednesdays, Thursdays or Fridays, between the hours of 10 - 2:00. You may call the church ahead of time, 402-235-2527, to be sure someone will be there to assist you.

Thank you for helping to keep these children, (and the CSI staff), healthy and happy!

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The Conestoga Backpack Program continues to furnish food to local families in need. The program serves the Murray, Nehawka, Union and Beaver Lake areas in southeast Nebraska, and will not turn anyone away.

Just by adding a few of the items listed below to your shopping list and picking them up, you'll be helping someone in a big way. Keep in mind that some of the children are very young and are possibly 'preparing' their own meals, so easy-to-open containers are a good option for little hands.

Also needed are hygienic supplies, toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, cotton swabs, tissues and toilet paper.

To make a monetary donation instead, a check made payable to 'CONESTOGA BACKPACK PROGRAM' may be mailed or deposited at Cornerstone Bank, 102 W Main St, Murray, NE 68409. 100% of all monies collected is used for food and hygienic supplies for the families.

To have the items picked up, call Jill at 402-660-3543 to make arrangements. As another alternative, you may drop them off at Cornerstone Bank in Murray or at their Beaver Lake location.

Your help is greatly appreciated. Thank you!

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KEEP READING about EVENTS in our NEIGHBORING TOWNS

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PLATTSMOUTH LIBRARY EVENTS:

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AMERICAN LEGION POST 237
WEEPING WATER

Annual Friday Night Fish Fry
5:30 PM – 7:30 PM

APRIL 1
APRIL 8

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Attn: Louisville Alumni!
The committee is meeting & plans are taking place for this years Banquet to be held, Saturday, May 28, 2022, 6 PM at Louisville HS Gym. We are hoping for a great turnout this year! Due to Covid, no Banquet was held year 2020 & 2021! So please, please contact your classmates & plan to come to this years Banquet! It’s always fun to get together & reminisce with your classmates! We will be honoring several classes this year:
Year 2020
60 yr - 1960
50 yr - 1970
40 yr - 1980
25 yr - 1995
10 yr - 2010
Class of 2020
Year 2021
60 yr - 1961
50 yr - 1971
40 yr - 1981
25 yr - 1996
10 yr - 2011
Class of 2021
2022
60 yr - 1962
50 yr - 1972
40 yr - 1982
25 yr - 1997
10 yr - 2012
Class of 2022
A special honor to alumni who have graduated 70 yrs+! And any other classes not listed who wish to be recognized!
Look for your informational letters & reservation form early April! Reservations & $$ need to be mailed back by May 18th! If you have an address change recently or since 2019 please (facebook) message Jean A Heim by April 1 so we can update our alumni mailings!
Please share this information & pass the word! We hope to have a successful Banquet and hope to see you May 28th!!

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View details >>

 

View Inventory >>

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American Flags and Flag Poles for Sale

Flagpoles or flags - both make exceptional gifts or just because you've always wanted one. American Legion Post 247 has both in stock and available for pickup in Elmwood. Proceeds from the sale of the poles and flags stay here in our Elmwood-Murdock community and go to support the youth programs of our Legion Post - Boys State and Junior Law Cadet.

We just received a new shipment of flagpoles this week. Along with that came the news that there will be a price increase on our next shipment. So if you're in the market for a flagpole, now would be a great time to get one before the price increase.

Also available are solar lights that fit on the top of the poles.

We also have 3' x 5' and 4' x 6' polyester flags - these are the longest-lasting flags offered by the American Legion.

A hint on how to make your flag last longer: saturate the outside edge with Elmer's All Purpose glue before flying. Squirt it on, and either rub it in with a tiny sponge brush or your finger. Let it dry, turn over and repeat. You should be able to get a couple of extra months of use from your flag by doing this and it will only cost about $1 for a small bottle of glue.

Have a flag that needs to be retired? We can help with that as well. Just contact us or place it in a bag and hang it on the doorknob at the museum. We will ensure it is included in the next flag retirement ceremony in the area.

See below for details.

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Call for our updates, 1-800-480-8797, EXT 211, and you may leave us a voice mail at the end of  the message if you'd like! 

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