What's New

 

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 Preserve and cherish the pale blue dot, the only home we've ever known.

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EARTH DAY

Friday, April 22

Do something kind for the earth.  Take a bag and gloves and go for a walk, picking up trash along your way.  Clean up your own yard or help a neighbor with their spring clean-up.  They'll appreciate your thoughtfulness and the earth will smile!

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CONTINUED WINDY & DRY CONDITION CALLS FOR EXTREME SAFETY CONCERNING FIRES

Please use common sense during these windy and very dry times.  Think twice before attempting to burn yard waste, lighting your grill or fire pit.  Only one spark can have catastrophic consequences.  Just enter your zip code to check Updated Drought Conditions, Hazardous Weather Outlook, Red Flag Warnings and much more at:

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE

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Don’t miss out on being part of one of the biggest events to take place in Cass County!

The Cattlemen’s Ball of Nebraska, a charity whose mission is to raise money for cancer research through an annual fundraiser, is taking place at the Cass County Fairgrounds in Weeping Water, Neb., on Friday, June 3, and Saturday, June 4. The Ball is a completely volunteer-run event, and we need YOUR help to make it a success!

As a volunteer, you'll join us in our goal of raising $2 million for cancer research at the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center in Omaha, Neb. From the Art Tent to the General Store, and from wine tastings to the set-up crew, we have a volunteer opportunity right for you! Or, if you're unsure of where you'd best fit, we'll place you in a volunteer role based on need.

And don't fret - we want you to enjoy the event - so we're only asking for a few hours of your time!

Head on over to https://cattlemensball.com/volunteers to learn more and to register to volunteer! We cannot wait to see you there!

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Exciting opportunity! Be a part of the Wildlife Safari Park - the office views are amazing!

This AmeriCorps VISTA service position will implement a volunteer program and develop educational programming. Please e-mail angel.randone@omahazoo.com for more information.

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Nebraska Babies Born in 2021 to Be Provided Meadowlark Savings Pledge Funds
Meadowlark accounts will be opened with a $50 deposit

(LINCOLN, Neb., April 13, 2022) – Each child born in Nebraska in 2021 will receive $50 in a NEST 529 College Savings account, as directed by the Meadowlark Act.

This April, families of eligible babies will receive a letter from the State Treasurer announcing their qualification for the Meadowlark Savings Pledge. The children can use the contribution for education expenses when the time comes for them to go to college.

College tuition and costs continue to increase at, and above, the rate of inflation. Since 2010, published in-state tuition and fees at public four-year institutions increased by 16 percent.[1]

For those families who welcomed a baby in 2021, the Meadowlark Program could be the beginning of their children’s educational savings journey, setting them up to soar. As college expenses continue to increase, it is important families start saving sooner rather than later. Meadowlark combined with a NEST 529 account is an easy way to help loved ones take flight toward their dreams.

Meadowlark Program

The Meadowlark Program, which became effective in 2020, was designed to help Nebraska families get a head start on future educational expenses. For this year’s contributions, any baby born on or after January 1, 2021 who is a resident of Nebraska at the time of birth, is eligible to receive a one-time Meadowlark seed contribution. This is an automatic enrollment that does not require families to pay extra costs or complete any time-consuming paperwork.

Nationally Recognized NEST 529 College Saving Plan

Meadowlark is an important beginning on a savings path. But, families should open their own NEST 529 account to start building for their children’s futures today. A NEST 529 account gives families the ability to make routine contributions that can be put to work helping a child achieve their aspirations.

Morningstar, Inc., a nationwide financial research firm that specializes in fund, stock, and general market data analysis, recognizes NEST 529 as a Morningstar Medalist 529 college savings plan. Key features include:

Flexibility—A NEST 529 account can be opened in just 10 minutes. Families can manage everything easily online, from contributing and reallocating funds to making their investment selections.
Tax Benefits—Tax-advantaged savings include a Nebraska state tax deduction, tax-deferred growth, and tax-free qualified withdrawals.2 Account Owners in Nebraska are eligible for an annual state income tax deduction of up to $10,000 for NEST 529 contributions or $5,000 if married filing separately.3
Investment Options—Families can customize their investment portfolio to fit risk tolerance, time frame, and savings goals. Saving is made even easier with automatic contributions from bank accounts or paychecks.
Diverse Fund Families—NEST offers quality funds from multiple fund families including Vanguard, T. Rowe Price, Dodge & Cox and others.

Visit NEST529.com to learn more about the benefits of a NEST 529 College Savings Plan. For more information on the Meadowlark Program, go to NEST529.com/Meadowlark.

The State Treasurer serves as the Program Trustee. All investments, including the portfolio structure offered through the NEST 529 Plan, are vetted and approved by the Nebraska Investment Council.

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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 and 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 close to 300,000 accounts. Visit NEST529.com and treasurer.nebraska.gov for more information.

About Union Bank and Trust

Founded in 1917 with over 50 years of family ownership, Union Bank and 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 and Trust as Best Bank, Best Customer Service, Best Work Environment, and Best Financial Planner in Lincoln for eleven years running.

Important Legal Information

An investor should consider the investment objectives, risks, and charges and expenses associated with municipal fund securities before investing. This and other important information is contained in the fund prospectuses and the NEST Direct College Savings Plan Program Disclosure Statement (issuer’s official statement), which should be read carefully before investing. You can lose money by investing in an Investment Option. Each of the Investment Options involves investment risks, which are described in the Program Disclosure Statement. An investor should consider, before investing, whether the investor’s or beneficiary’s home state offers any state tax or other state benefits such as financial aid, scholarship funds, and protection from creditors that are only available for investments in such state’s 529 plan. Investors should consult their tax advisor, attorney, and/or other advisor regarding their specific legal, investment, or tax situation.

[1] Ma, Jennifer, Matea Pender and CJ Libassi (2020), Trends in College Pricing and Student Aid 2020, New York; College Board. https://research.collegeboard.org/pdf/trends-college-pricing-student-aid-2020.pdf

2 Withdrawals used to pay for a beneficiary’s qualified higher education expenses are exempt from federal and Nebraska state income tax. Qualified higher education expenses include tuition, fees, books, supplies, and equipment required for enrollment or attendance; certain room and board expenses incurred by students who are enrolled at least half-time; the purchase of computer or peripheral equipment, computer software, or Internet access and related services, if used primarily by the beneficiary during any of the years the beneficiary is enrolled at an eligible educational institution; certain expenses for special needs services needed by a special needs beneficiary; and apprenticeship program expenses.However, earnings on all other types of withdrawals are generally subject to federal and Nebraska state income taxes and an additional 10% federal tax. In addition, Nebraska state income tax deductions may be subject to recapture in certain circumstances, such as rollovers to another state’s 529 plan or to an ABLE program not issued by the State of Nebraska; cancellation of a participation agreement; and making a non-qualified withdrawal (including a withdrawal used to pay K-12 tuition or make qualified education loan repayments). Please consult your tax professional about your particular situation.

3 Account owners may deduct for Nebraska income tax purposes contributions they make to their own account (and any other accounts they own in the Nebraska Educational Savings Plan Trust) up to an overall maximum of $10,000 ($5,000 if married, filing separately). Contributions in excess of $10,000 cannot be carried over to a future year. For a minor-owned or UGMA/UTMA 529 account, the minor is considered the account owner for Nebraska state income tax deduction purposes. The minor must file a Nebraska tax return for the year their contributions are made to be eligible for a tax deduction for their own contributions. In the case of a UGMA/UTMA 529 account, contributions by the parent/ guardian listed as the Custodian on the UGMA/UTMA Plan account are also eligible for a Nebraska state tax deduction.

NOT FDIC INSURED*| NO BANK GUARANTEE | MAY LOSE VALUE

(*Except the Bank Savings Static Investment Option Underlying Investment)

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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/

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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ATTENTION, CASS COUNTY RESIDENTS ~

BELOW ARE 3 GREAT PLACES to HELP YOU with

your GREAT SPRING CLEAN-UP EFFORTS!

CASS COUNTY BRUSH SITE
13780 12th STREET
(North of Mynard Road)

Opens Friday, April 22.
8 am - 2:30 pm

FOR CASS COUNTY TREE WASTE ONLY!

Call Cass County Dept. of Roads for more information, 402-296-9353.

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APRIL 30th, 8 am - 9:30 am

HAZARDOUS WASTE COLLECTION

The County Road Shop is located behind the other businesses west of Highway 50. Enter directly across from Hilltop Fill Stop gas station, a mile south of Highway 1.

This event is sponsored by Cass County and the Five Rivers RC&D with the assistance of The Nebraska Environmental Trust and other organizations.

Also, Keep Cass County Beautiful is sponsoring an Electronics and Metals collection on Saturday April 23 in Weeping Water. For more information please see our Facebook page or our web page: www.KeepCassCountyBeautiful.org 

SEE BELOW FOR ACCEPTABLE ITEMS!

 

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HURRY! 

SIGN-UP SOON FOR MURRAY GARAGE SALES!

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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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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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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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On May 7th, 2022 the Ashland-Greenwood FBLA Chapter will be holding the Second Annual May Day 5k run/1 mile walk.

Registration will begin at 8:30 AM, and the run and walk will start at 9:00 AM.

Both will depart and end from the Ashland-Greenwood HS parking lot. All proceeds will go towards food insecurity in the Ashland area. The entry fee is $30 a person which includes a race t-shirt. Please register by April 20th to ensure you receive a shirt. You can register electronically at https://forms.gle/ExkqpYYM23y2WteRA or pick up a form at the high school office. Forms and payment need to be turned into the HS office by April 20th! If you have any questions please contact Miya Carson at miya.carson@agps.org.

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View inventory >>

 

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PLATTSMOUTH LIBRARY EVENTS:

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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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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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