And the yellow sunflower by the brook, in autumn beauty stood.
William Cullen Bryant
1794 ~1878
Poet of Nature
Autumn begins tomorrow!
Celebrate Nebraska’s 2022 Book Award Winners
Celebrate Nebraska’s 2022 Book Award winners with author readings and an awards presentation ceremony at the Nebraska Center for the Book’s Celebration of Nebraska Books. Held at the Nebraska History Museum on October 22nd, winners of the 2022 Nebraska Book Awards will be honored and the celebration will include readings by some of the winning authors, designers and illustrators of books with a Nebraska connection published in 2021. And the winners are:
Children’s Best Continuing Series: George Meets His Match by Kristin Bauer Ganoung, illustrated by K. E. Gadeken. Publisher: Prairieland Press
Youth Book: Rhinos in Nebraska: The Amazing Discovery of the Ashfall Fossil Beds by Alison Pearce Stevens, illustrated by Matt Huynh. Publisher: Godwin Books, Henry Holt Company
Cover and Design: After One Hundred Winters: In Search of Reconciliation on America’s Stolen Lands by Margaret D. Jacobs. Publisher: Princeton University Press
Illustration: Rhinos in Nebraska: The Amazing Discovery of the Ashfall Fossil Beds by Alison Pearce Stevens, illustrated by Matt Huynh. Publisher: Godwin Books, Henry Holt Company
Fiction: The Perfume Thief by Timothy Schaffert. Publisher: Doubleday
Nonfiction Biography: The Only Wonderful Things: The Creative Partnership of Willa Cather & Edith Lewis by Melissa J. Homestead. Publisher: Oxford University Press
Nonfiction Biography Honor: Time in the Wilderness: The Formative Years of John “Black Jack” Pershing in the American West by Dr. Tim McNeese. Publisher: Potomac Books
Nonfiction Health and Fitness: Fuel Your Body: How to Cook and Eat for Peak Performance by Angie Asche. Publisher: Agate Publishing
Nonfiction Natural History: Rhinos in Nebraska: The Amazing Discovery of the Ashfall Fossil Beds by Alison Pearce Stevens, illustrated by Matt Huynh. Publisher: Godwin Books, Henry Holt Company
Nonfiction Nebraska as Place: Nebraska Golf: Out of the Shadows by Stu Pospisil. Publisher: Omaha World Herald
Nonfiction Popular History: Patient Zero: A Curious History of the World’s Worst Diseases by Lydia Kang and Nate Pedersen. Publisher: Workman Publishing Company
Poetry: The Way of Things by Shannon Vesely. Publisher: Rogue Faculty Press
Poetry Honor: Unholy Heart by Grace Bauer. Publisher: The Backwaters Press
Special Poetry: More in Time: A Tribute to Ted Kooser by Jessica Poli, Marco Abel, Timothy Schaffert. Publisher: University of Nebraska Press
The Celebration of Nebraska Books, on October 22nd, will also honor winners of the 2022 Jane Geske and Mildred Bennett awards. The Mildred Bennett Award recognizes individuals who have made a significant contribution to fostering the literary tradition in Nebraska, reminding us of the literary and intellectual heritage that enriches our lives and molds our world. The Jane Geske Award is presented to a Nebraska organization for exceptional contribution to literacy, books, reading, libraries, or literature in Nebraska. It commemorates Geske’s passion for books, and was established in recognition of her contributions to the well-being of the libraries of Nebraska.
The 2022 One Book One Nebraska selection, The Bones of Paradise: A Novel by Jonis Agee (William Morrow, 2016) will be featured in a keynote presentation by the author. The introduction of the 2023 One Book One Nebraska book choice will conclude the festivities.
The Celebration of Nebraska Books is sponsored by Nebraska Center for the Book and the Nebraska Library Commission, with support from History Nebraska’s Nebraska History Museum. Humanities Nebraska provides support for One Book One Nebraska. The Nebraska Center for the Book is housed at the Nebraska Library Commission and brings together the state’s readers, writers, booksellers, librarians, publishers, printers, educators, and scholars to build the community of the book, supporting programs to celebrate and stimulate public interest in books, reading, and the written word. The Nebraska Center for the Book is supported by the national Center for the Book in the Library of Congress and the Nebraska Library Commission.
As the state library agency, the Nebraska Library Commission is an advocate for the library and information needs of all Nebraskans. The mission of the Library Commission is statewide promotion, development, and coordination of library and information services, “bringing together people and information.”
###
The most up-to-date news releases from the Nebraska Library Commission are always available on the Library Commission website, http://nlc.nebraska.gov/publications/newsreleases.
* * * * *
Nebraska Libraries Report 1,381,624 Minutes of Reading for Summer 2022
Summer reading programs are helping students become better readers
Hastings, Nebraska – Since mid-May, more than 100 Nebraska libraries have been carrying out summer reading programs that have allowed patrons of all ages to log their reading progress.
As of August 3, 2022, readers have logged:
1,381,624 minutes read
12,153 books completed
131,179 pages read
The Nebraska Library Commission and the Nebraska Regional Library Systems have worked to engage more than 100 libraries in summer reading programs through an innovative reading app called Reader Zone. These programs consist of participants of all ages with the majority being kindergarten through 6th grade.
Success in 2022 follows similar reading success for Nebraska readers in 2020 and 2021. Each of those years also saw more than one million minutes of reading logged by Nebraskans in summer reading programs.
“We are excited to have another successful summer reading season in Nebraska libraries and we thank all our hard-working librarians and our wonderful patrons for their dedication to literacy and reading,” said Denise Harders, Director of the Central Plains Library System. “Our libraries will continue to offer Nebraskans quality programs that can build positive reading habits for readers of all ages”.
Nebraska libraries offer ongoing reading programs like “1000 Books Before Kindergarten” for young children and many compelling programs for teens and adults. These programs are free to Nebraskans in every corner of the state.
“Seeing Nebraska readers reach a third summer in a row of more than 1 million minutes demonstrates that there are many dedicated public librarians and engaged families throughout the state. Students will return to school in the fall with their hard-earned reading skills sharpened and ready to learn,” Jake Ball, creator of Reader Zone.
Reader Zone is a web-based reading program and app that helps organizations build and deploy meaningful reading programs. Reader Zone offers a mobile app that makes participation in reading programs simple and rewarding for readers of all ages.
The Nebraska Regional Library Systems consist of four non-profit corporations governed by boards representative of libraries and citizens in the region. Systems provide access to improved library services by facilitating cooperation among all types of libraries and media centers within the counties included in each System area.
As the state library agency, the Nebraska Library Commission is an advocate for the library and information needs of all Nebraskans. The mission of the Library Commission is statewide promotion, development, and coordination of library and information services, bringing together people and information. The most up-to-date news releases from the Nebraska Library Commission are always available on the Library Commission website, http://nlc.nebraska.gov/publications/newsreleases.
ATTENTION, BLACK HILLS ENERGY CUSTOMERS
You recently may have received notice about Black Hills Energy Company's Annual Price Option Plan for next year. You can lock in a rate on natural gas for an entire year. Go to www.annualpriceoption.com, enter your zip code and account numberfor more details.
Only the first 12,000 customers to register will be enrolled. Sign-up is in full swing NOW until October 7th.
Conestoga High School's Convenience Corner is collecting foods for easy meals needed throughout the summer break, such as mac and cheese, Ramen noodles, etc.
You may drop off donations on Wednesday, Thursday or Fridays, between 10 am and 2 pm at Murray Christian Church, 304 W Young Street. Contact the church office, 402-235-2527 or send email to church2527@windstream.net for more information.
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.
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):
MON, SEPT 26
VFW Post 2543
510 1st Ave
Plattsmouth, NE
11:30 am - 5:30 pm
WED, SEPT 28
Nebraska Masonic Home
1300 Ave D
Plattsmouth, NE
10 am - 4 pm
WED, OCT 5
Plattsmouth High School
1916 E Hwy 34
Plattsmouth, NE
8 am - 2 pm
WED, NOV 2
Louisville High School
202 W 3rd St
Louisville, NE
10 am - 4 pm
TUE, NOV 8
Weeping Water High School
204 W O Street
Weeping Water, NE
Noon - 6 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.
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!
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.
Granola bars
Fruit snacks
Dry pasta
Spaghetti sauce
Dry soup mixes
Canned meat (chicken, tuna)
Boxed prepared meal kits (Hamburger Helper, Rice-a-Roni)
Peanut butter
Jelly
Canned fruit and vegetables
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!
KEEP READING about EVENTS in our NEIGHBORING TOWNS
Elmwood Library Hours
Monday: 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Tuesday: 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Wednesday: 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Thursday: 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
Saturday: 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
Easy Library Links
Online Card Catalog https://elmwoodpubliclibrary.follettdestiny.com/
Libby Library App https://help.libbyapp.com/index.htm
SEP 24 AT 9 AM – SEP 25 AT 6 PM
AppleJack Weekend #2
https://nebraskacity.com/festival/apple-jack-festival/
Join us for the second of two AppleJack Festival Weekends! Where better to experience the fruits of the orchard than at Arbor Day Farm?! Savor seasonal tastes and bushels of activities for the whole family! Click above for the complete schedule!
Plus enjoy lunch at a food truck or grab barbecue from Porters, experience time in the trees at the Tree Adventure, and take a stroll through history at Arbor Lodge. AppleJack activities take place throughout Nebraska City. Learn more about activities happening throughout Nebraska City here: https://nebraskacity.com/festival/apple-jack-festival/
There's so much to see and do, you might as well make it a weekend with an overnight stay at Lied Lodge. Call 402-873-8733 or book now online: https://reservations.arbordayfarm.org/ll/
For your convenience, the Tree Adventure and Arbor Lodge Mansion will require tickets for admission. We encourage you to purchase tickets in advance online. Space will be limited. We cannot guarantee entrance to these attractions/activities without a pre-purchased ticket. Arbor Day Farm attractions are open Tuesday through Sunday only.
View inventory >>
CALL FOR VENDORS! | Flea Market on Elm Street | September 24th
Handmade, Vintage, Antiques, Crafters, Artisan Foods, Bath & Body, Home Decor, Clothing, and Plants… all vendors welcome.
Please join us for the Flea Market on Elm Street during the Party On The Rocks fall festival in Weeping Water on September 24th! Party On The Rocks is a fall celebration that will include: flea market, food trucks, cornhole tournament, kids activities and more, topped off with an evening street dance and beer garden.
Booth prices:
Outdoors: Up to 10 ft x 20 ft space $20
Indoors: 10 ft x 10 ft space $30 (Inside Gibson Hall, table and 2 chairs included)
For more information and to register, please call Brooke Gjerde at 402-297-6872 or email brookeg_2010@hotmail.com.
Camping is available at the city campground. Visit https://weepingwater.org/campgrounds for information.
Dear Avoca Friends, near and far!
The Avoca, NE Town Hall has been a big part of the Village for many years. Without it many people would be at a loss on where to gather for village events and many other occasions.
The last couple of years have been a struggle due to covid cancellations, funds are short. The Hall is in major need of repairs. Board members are working on raising money to help cover the cost of repairs that need to be made.
1. New Roof
2. Masonry work on front of building
3. Replacement of Deck
4. General Maintenance
If you would like to help in our efforts to save the Town Hall we
would very much appreciate any monetary donation towards our goal of
$25,000.
How to donate:
Send check made payable to Avoca Town Hall to:
Nadine Kreifels
515 Tefft
Avoca, NE 68307
THANK YOU!
Send Message on FaceBook if you have questions: https://www.facebook.com/Avoca-Nebraska-503016386474287
Sincerely,
AVOCA TOWN HALL BOARD
CLICK HERE FOR ART WORKSHOPS in SPRINGFIELD, NE!
211 Main Street, Louisville, NE
cornhuskercountrymusic@gmail.com
Like us on FB!
Call for showtimes, 1-800-480-8797, EXT 211. For more info, leave us a voice mail at the end of the message and we'll return your call!

Luke Bryan Concert
Have you heard the news! Luke Bryan is coming to Murdock for a concert at Stock Hay Company on September 22nd. The whole community is buzzing and it's going to be the event of the year.
Tickets can be purchased here https://www.lukebryan.com/tour






HEAR YE! HEAR YE!
The Union, NE American Legion Auxiliary Hall, 104 W Main St, is available for rental!
Reasonable rates for 4-8 hours
Full kitchen, carpeted dining hall, and all utilities.
Easy to locate on Main Street.
Individuals have rented it for birthday parties,
showers, anniversaries, and funeral dinners.
For more information, or to reserve the Hall, call
Nancy Crook 402-263-2035.
(This is a landline with an answering machine, so leave a voice message, do not try to text.)

P.A.R.C. members get together Tuesday evenings at Plattsmouth's Burger King at 6 pm.
Monthly meetings the last Saturday of most months at Mom's Cafe in Plattsmouth, 8 am. (NO December monthly meeting.)
Click HERE or on the radio antenna logo above to read the latest newsletter and calendar.
For more info, contact Roger Behrns, rb55930@windstream.net or call 402-234-6775.
ATTENTION, VETERANS!
Do you need assistance? We're here to help!
Contact Cass County Veteran Service Officer
Email: ccvso@cassne.org
Admin Assistant: Jacie Victor
Email: ccvsoadmin@cassne.org
Call for appointment! 402-296-9368
ARE YOU 55+
and
LOOKING FOR PART-TIME WORK?
The following is an employment opportunity available to older adults in Cass County.
Experience Works is a national, non-profit organization funded by the US Dept of Labor to administer the Senior Community Service Employment Program, which assists people 55 and older in getting updated training to assist in returning to the workforce. This is a federally funded program and offers a no-cost employment service to older adults who qualify.
Once accepted into the program, individuals are placed in a training site in or near their community, where they gain on the job experience while working 20-21 hours/week at $8/hour.
We also help with skill assessments, computer training, resumes, cover letters, job search, etc.
The goal is that through the training and job search assistance we gain help older adults gain good jobs in or around their communities.
Stephanie MahonyEmployment and Training CoordinatorExperience Works, Inc.
1111 "O" Street Ste 205
American Job CenterLincoln, NE 68508
Phone: 402-441-1654Fax: 402-441-6038
stephanie_mahony@experienceworks.org
Nebraska Toll-free Number: 1-877-314-7526
https://www.keepcasscountybeautiful.com/index.php
HOW TO SUBMIT YOUR NEWS TO THIS NEWSLETTER...
Below is a list of categories that we are happy to post, (at NO COST to you!), in the weekly Murray online newsletter:
Weddings
Engagements
Anniversary
Births
Letters to the Editor
Birthday Greeting
Upcoming Events
Cards of Thanks
Lost and Found
Obituaries
Recipes
Photos
and So Much More!
That's right! These are all items that can appear FREE of CHARGE in each Wednesday's Murray Newsletter and/or Calendar! All YOU have to do is send the information to us - it's that simple!
DEADLINE for submissions to each week's Wednesday Newsletter is NOON on the preceding MONDAY.
There are 3 ways you can submit your articles:
1) You may call your information to 402-235-2926 and leave a voice mail with your name and phone number.
2) Email your story with your name, contact info and story, in plain text to:
Send photos in .jpg format, no larger than 495 pixels wide or photos and fliers in a .pdf, to the e-address above with your story in plain text.
3) Send items via the U.S. postal service to:
Be sure to allow enough time to be received by Monday! Also, when mailing items you'd like to get back, please enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope.
Remember to include 'who, what, when, where and why', along with any other helpful details, such as a contact person and phone.
Again, you must have your name and contact information included with the information.
Thanks for helping to keep YOUR Murray Newsletter fresh and up-to-date!
**********
SUBSCRIBE to the MURRAY NEWSLETTER
It's easy and FREE! Click HERE.
You will receive an email Wednesday morning at 6:30 with a link to the NL.
You may also receive the Murray NL on your mobile device at 1:30 that same day by entering your number at the 'MURRAY MOBILE' box on this page.
NO WORRIES. We do NOT sell or give your e-address or phone to anyone!
Community Sustaining Sponsors 2022
2022 Community Sustaining Sponsor
2022 Community Sustaining Sponsor
2022 Community Sustaining Sponsor
2022 Community Sustaining Sponsor
2022 Community Sustaining Sponsor
2022 Community Sustaining Sponsor
2022 Community Sustaining Sponsor
2022 Community Sustaining Sponsor
2022 Community Sustaining Sponsor
2022 Community Sustaining Sponsor
2022 Community Sustaining Sponsor
2022 Community Sustaining Sponsor
2022 Community Sustaining Sponsor
2022 Community Sustaining Sponsor
2022 Community Sustaining Sponsor
2022 Community Sustaining Sponsor
..
.
Read Our Neighbors' Newsletters!
Also FREE SUBSCRIPTIONS to these Newsletters!
Click on any of the links below to subscribe.
Click to Read today's SpringfieldNebraska Newsletter
Click to Read today's PlattsmouthNebraska Newsletter
Click to Read today's WeepingWaterNebraska Newsletter
Click to Read today's NehawkaNebraska Newsletter
Click to Read today's CedarCreekNebraska Newsletter
Click to Read today's AvocaNebraska Newsletter
Click to Read today's ElmwoodNebraska Newsletter
Click to Read today's MurdockNebraska Newsletter
Click to Read today's LouisvilleNebraska Newsletter
Click to Read today's EagleNebraska Newsletter
Click to Read today's MurrayNebraska Newsletter
Click to Read today's UnadillaNebraska Newsletter
Click to Read today's UnionNebraska Newsletter
Click to Read today's AlvoNebraska Newsletter
Click to Read today's ManleyNebraska Newsletter
.