We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light.
Plato
If you see an article or flyer here, on Murray's page 1, of an event that is continuing, it will be moved to page 3 to make room for more current events.
Check page 2 for current events in our surrounding villages and towns, then also please check page 3, for all of their Perennial or Ongoing events, where items will remain until I'm contacted to remove them.
All events may run one or two times before moving to page 3.
Thanks for reading!
Your Editor, Pat
POSTAGE RATES INCREASE
Starting January 21, 2024, the price of postage is going up.
1st class stamps increase to 68 cents.
Postcards increase to 53 cents.
Book of 20 stamps increase to $13.60.
International Stamps increase to $1.55.
Please call if you have questions.
Kathie Black
Murray, NE Postmaster
402-235-2166
Remember that the 'FOREVER' stamps never expire!
Purchase today and use them later, even when postage prices increase.
Check out info for new stamps HERE. You may purchase your stamps at the Post Office or online. See the variety of new stamps HERE.
Candidate-Filing Kicks Off 2024 Election Cycle
Candidate-filing for the May 14, 2024, statewide primary started Friday, January 5. Individuals who wish to run for state and federal offices in 2024 can now start filing with the Nebraska Secretary of State's office.
"This is an exciting time for our office as we look ahead to the 2024 election cycle," Secretary of State Bob Evnen said. "Our Elections Division is ready to help individuals file for office. Candidates should be mindful of deadlines and the appropriate documents needed to file for office successfully."
Candidates can access filing-related documents and information on the Nebraska Secretary of State's website here<https://sos.nebraska.gov/elections/information-candidates>. There, candidates can view the 2024 Candidate Filing Guide, which lists the offices that are up for election, instructions for candidates on how to file, the qualifications for public office and other important information.
Primary filing deadlines:
The incumbent filing deadline for offices appearing on the primary ballot is February 15. This includes any person currently holding office, including incumbents who hold an elected position but are running for a different office.
The non-incumbent filing deadline is March 1. This includes any person who does not currently hold an elected office.
Individuals who do not meet the filing deadlines will not appear on the primary ballot. There are several steps and documents needed to file for office. The Elections Division recommends candidates file early to meet the deadlines specified by statute.
Know where to file:
Candidates for the following offices will file with the Secretary of State's office:
U.S. Senate, U.S. House of Representatives, Public Service Commissioner, Legislature, State Board of Education, Board of Regents for the University of Nebraska, Community Colleges, Learning Community Coordinating Council, Natural Resources Districts, Educational Service Units, Metropolitan Utilities District of Omaha, Reclamation Districts, and Public Power (& Irrigation) Districts.
All county, municipal and local school district candidates will file for office with their respective county election office. Candidates can find their local election office's contact information here<https://sos.nebraska.gov/elections/election-officials-contact-information>.
Voter ID begins with May statewide primary:
Nebraska's new voter ID law takes effect for the May statewide primary and will be in effect for every election in Nebraska going forward. Voters can find resources and educational material on the Secretary of State's website at VoterID.Nebraska.gov<https://sos.nebraska.gov/elections/voter-id>.
Beware of election-related misinformation:
The Secretary of State's office reminds voters to use trusted sources for election information, such as information distributed from the Secretary of State's office or a Nebraska county election office. We anticipate that misinformation about elections will increase in 2024. It's important to verify claims that come up in election-related articles and social media posts.
What's next:
County election offices are beginning to recruit poll workers to help with the May statewide primary.
By state statute, county election offices can begin accepting early voting ballot requests on January 15. However, state and county offices will be closed January 15 in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. County offices will begin processing requests the following day, January 16.
"This is an exciting time for our office as we look ahead to the 2024 election cycle. Our Elections Division is ready to help individuals file for office. Candidates should be mindful of deadlines and the appropriate documents needed to file for office successfully. Candidates can find that information on our website." (:18)
Jackie Ourada
Communications Specialist
Nebraska Secretary of State's Office
jackie.ourada@nebraska.gov<mailto:jackie.ourada@nebraska.gov>
(402) 471-4086
Read about some of KCCB's past 2023 projects like pumpkin recycling and kids' crafts, and how you can help to Keep Cass County Beautiful HERE.
EMT National Registry Monthly Education
Southeast Community College is pleased to bring you the EMT National Registry Monthly Education for 2024! We have different subtopics and speakers with expertise in their field(s).
We have enhanced our education format so each individual will have their own Canvas account.
Please review and complete the registration form as outlined in Option 1 or Option 2.
The deadline is fast approaching. Please register at your earliest convenience.
Please feel free to share with anyone you feel may have an interest in this education
If you have any questions, please let me know
I look forward to hearing from you!
Bonnie Filipi │ Administrative Assistant
BFilipi@southeast.edu
Continuing Education Services
_________________________________
Jack J. Huck Continuing Education Center
301 South 68th Street Place │ Lincoln, NE 68510
402-437-2501 │ bfilipi@southeast.edu
BE A SWEETHEART
A truly heart-felt gift is to donate your own blood to someone, anyone, needing this lifesaving force. Donating is purely an unselfish act, it doesn't cost you a penny, and can save a life. Make this contribution and you'll sleep well knowing that you've given of yourself to improve, or perhaps even save, another person's life.
Confirm days and times and learn more HERE.
***
Monday, January 22, 2024
VFW Post 2543
510 1st Ave
Plattsmouth, NE
11:30 am - 5:30 pm
***
Sunday, January 28, 2024
First Baptist Church
16220 Highway 75
Plattsmouth, NE 68048
10 AM - 2 PM
***
Wednesday, February 7, 2024
Plattsmouth High School
1916 E Hiway 34
Plattsmouth, NE 68048
8 AM - 2 PM
***
Monday, February 19, 2024
Town Hall
623 House St
Avoca, NE 68307
1 - 6 pm
Heat the Streets Run & Walk for Warmth
Register for Heat the Streets Run & Walk for Warmth to help utility customers in need.
Omaha Public Power District and Metropolitan Utilities District encourage you to give the gift of warmth and safety this holiday season by registering for the Heat the Streets Run & Walk for Warmth. Funds raised provide utility bill assistance for customers going through hard financial times.
Heat the Streets takes place March 2, 2024, at Zone 6 in Aksarben Village, 1911 S. 67th St. in Omaha. This is the 17th year Metropolitan Utilities District and Omaha Public Power District are hosting the event to raise money for utility assistance programs for customers struggling to pay their bills.
This year’s co-chairs are Jim Begley, vice chair of the M.U.D. Board of Directors, and his wife, Rebecca, and Matt Core, a member of the OPPD Board of Directors, and his wife, Katy.
Last year, M.U.D.’s HomeFund distributed $280,389 of bill assistance funding to 790 households in need. OPPD’s Energy Assistance Program distributed $319,987 in funding to 937 households in need.
Heat the Streets is the single largest fundraiser of the year for these programs. Last year the event raised $138,081. This year, the utilities have set a goal of registering at least 1,000 participants and raising at least $300,000.
Fundraising is especially critical right now, as a decrease in federal funding allotted to programs that help with utility bill assistance has put extra pressure on the utilities’ assistance programs.
The utilities host the run and walk during the winter to bring added attention to the struggle that so many face to keep their homes safe and warm. However, our customers’ need is year-round. Unexpected events – a lost job, hospital stay, even car repairs – are a real hardship for those living paycheck to paycheck. Sometimes, just a little financial boost can make all the difference.
Funds raised are administered by Dollar Energy Fund Inc., a registered 501(c)(3), and then split between M.U.D.’s Home Fund and OPPD’s Energy Assistance Program to provide assistance to our customers living in Burt, Cass, Colfax, Dodge, Douglas, Johnson, Nemaha, Otoe, Pawnee, Richardson, Sarpy, Saunders and Washington counties. All money raised is distributed through this local network.
Participation options, including a new 10k distance race path, and prices follow.
Timed 10K
$40 (Jan. 1 through Feb. 28)
$50 (Day-of registration)
Timed 5K
$35 (Jan. 1 through Feb 28)
$45 (Day-of registration)
Untimed one-mile walk
Children 12 and under may register for free with a registered adult.
$30 (Jan. 1 through Feb. 28)
$40 (Day-of registration)
Virtual run/walk
Participants may complete their choice on the path of their choice, such as a treadmill, in their neighborhoods or a local trail.
$35 (through Feb. 28)
Awards will be given to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place male and female runners in each of the following age divisions for the timed 5K and 10K events: 12 and under, 13-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+. (No awards for virtual participants.)
You do not have to participate in the run or walk to help the cause. Just visit HeatTheStreetsOmaha.com to donate and view sponsorship opportunities.
Both utilities urge any customers who are struggling with their bills to call their customer service representatives and talk through their options. For OPPD, that number is 402-536-4131 in the Omaha area. Outside of the metro, customers may call toll-free at 877-536-4131. M.U.D. customers should call 402-554-6666.
Scatter Joy Acres
(Cell) 402-578-6335
4107 Wavery Road
Murray, NE 68409
www.scatterjoyacres.org
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.
Canned soup
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
Single-serve cereals
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!
YOUR HEAD WILL SPIN READING ABOUT ALL THE EVENTS GOING ON in our NEIGHBORING TOWNS!
FOR COUPLES or SINGLES
COUNTRY LINE DANCE CLASS
7-8 pm
at
VFQ POST 2543
PLATTSMOUTH, NE
Open dance starts at 8 pm
Only $5 to participate!
ELMWOOD-MURDOCK POST-PROM FUNDRAISER
EMT TRAINING
Seed Swap with Plattsmouth Garden Club
At Plattsmouth Library
Saturday, January 27 10am-1pm
Bring your flower and vegetable seeds to swap! Or come to learn more about growing from seed and then obtain more seeds from the Plattsmouth Garden Club! We will have free seeds and experienced gardeners to give you advice on how to plant seeds and caring for the plants.
View auction inventory >>
BELIEVE in the SHADOW
Groundhog Day will be here before you know it. This year's King candidates are: Gary Seelhoff, Kelly McIntosh, Patrick Lechner, Bret Fritch, and Fredrick Rumery. The Queen candidates are: Gera Stilwell, Naomi Stall, Kelsea Bayliss, Holli Gist, and Glenda Willnerd. You can vote at Nitty Gritty or Mal's Bar & Grill. Updates and changes can be found on this website or the Unadilla Bill Facebook page.
Everyone is invited to attend the "Big Groundhog Welcome" on Wednesday, Jan. 31, 6 p.m. at the Duncan Bldg., Unadilla, Nebraska, to meet all the new families in the Unadilla area. Then at 7 p.m., everyone is invited to Mal's to kick off the celebration and begin the fundraising for the King and Queen candidates.
Please join us at the parade, 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, Feb.3, 2024. The royalty crowning will take place immediately following the parade, at Mals.
LOUISVILLE CARE CENTER has new job positions!!!
We have OPEN Positions!
Click HERE to Apply Online
FT/PT/Casual CNA/CMA-Click Here to see Job Description
FT/PT/Casual LPN/RN-Click Here to see Job Description
FT/PT/Casual C.M.A or Medication Aid with C.N.A-Click Here to see Job Description
PT Transport Driver-Click Here to see Job Description
HERE IS WHAT MAKES US A GREAT PLACE TO WORK!
LCC offers free healthcare premiums for ALL our full time employees. Click Here to see Our Benefit Summary
Evening, night and weekend shift differentials.
Competative Wages! Inquire within for wage ranges.
Hire on bonus for C.N.A's, C.M.A's, RN's, LPN's and Personal Care Assistants. Click Here to see Hire on Bonus Policy
New Baylor Pay position for Certified Nursing Assistants.Click Here for Baylor Pay Policy
For Inquiries please call or email H.R. at ktrauernicht@lccne.com E.O.E
42nd ANNUAL QUACK OFF UPDATES
January 27, 2024
Avoca, NE
This is a CASH ONLY event!
Get your brood together and come on over to Avoca early to enter your favorite quacker, as registration ends at 12:30 pm.
Races atart at 1 pm.
Music and events will be taking place at the Duck Pond area before races start.
For a $5 entry fee, you may enter the roped-off Duck Pond area around the track.
Attendees will wear a wrist band.
T-shirts from a local vendor will be available on first-come, first-served basis, for $30.
Attendees will also be judged for a 'Best Dressed' costume or outfit!
BYOB, if you'd like, but PLEASE drink responsibly.
Food will be available at Town Hall.
Again, this is a CASH ONLY event!
So waddle on over to Avoca and join the fun!
Come on over and take a spin on our dance floor!
This is a family-friendly venue, so bring the kids, too!
CORNHUSKER COUNTRY MUSIC THEATER
211 Main Stree
Louisville, NE
* * * * *
NO SATURDAY EVENING SHOWS in JANUARY 2024
* * *
FREE OPEN (AMPLIFIED) JAM SESSIONS!
1 - 4 PM
January 21 & 28 On February 11th, we'll go back to
2nd Sunday amplified jams
Bring your instruments, bring your voices or just sit in and listen!
Let's get together and have a good time!
NEW! STARTING FEBRUARY 25,2024
4th SUNDAYS EACH MONTH
FREE ACOUSTIC JAMS ONLY
1-4 PM
* * * * *
Email for more information: cornhuskercountrymusic@gmail.com,
or call Larry, 1-402-949-0668.
Dear Readers,
We want to build an online history about Murray.
Please submit any information you might know about our town to start creating this project.
If you own a business, let us know when you started and any informaton about the building and/or business located there before yours. Do you know the little gray building, CJ's Hair Salon, on Main Street used to be an ice cream shop? Do you also know that the Murray Christian Church used to be located just east of the Murray Repair Shop? In the early 1900's Murray's Main Street was devastated by a fire. Have you heard any information about that time that's been passed down from your ancestors?
You can also send information about your house - when it was built and any background about it. Was it one of the first homes in town? Is it haunted? What do you know about it? There's a little house in town that used to be the old railroad depot! Do you know where it is now, or that the old Murray Elementary School's mascot name was the Mustangs?
Any information would be helpful. Please send photos, too, if available! Photos should contain people's names and location and any other helpful information. This should become a fun, educational and informative piece of history that will continue to grow, and one that we're all building together! Thanks for your help!
Email your information to:
Editor@MurrayNebraska.com
SENCA: Investing in our Neighbors through Education and Partnerships to Improve Lives and Build Strong Communities in Southeast Nebraska
LOUISVILLE FOOD BANK
Located inside Hope’s Closet
213 Main Street
Louisville, NE
Open 2nd and 4th Thursdays each month
6 -7 PM
Food Bank dates the first 6 months in 2024:
Jan. 11, 25
Feb. 8, 22
March 14, 28
April 11, 25
May 9, 23
June 13, 27
LET'S GO 'THRIFTING' in OUR CASS COUNTY THRIFT STORES!
Save Money! Recycle! Help Your Cass County Communities!
HAVE FUN!
* * * * *
BE THE LIGHT THRIFT & GIFT
202 West H St
Weeping Water, NE
PROCEEDS TOWARD SUICIDE PREVENTION
SUNDAY: CLOSED
MONDAY: CLOSED
TUESDAY: 5 ~ 7
WEDNESDAY: 2 ~ 7
THURSDAY: CLOSED
FRIDAY: CLOSED
SATURDAY: 9 ~ 4
https://www.bethelight402.org/thrift-and-gift
https://www.facebook.com/Bethelightbethevoice/
* * * * *
BITS & PIECES
158 N 4th
Elmwood, NE
SUNDAY: CLOSED
MONDAY: CLOSED
TUESDAY: 9 ~ 4
WEDNESDAY: 9 ~ Noon
THURSDAY: 9 ~ 4
FRIDAY: 9 ~ 5
SATURDAY: 9 ~ 4
402-994-5755
https://www.facebook.com/p/Bits-and-Pieces-and-More-Thrift-Store-100057192261002/
* * * * *
HOPE'S CLOSET
109 Main St.
Louisville, NE 68037
SUNDAY: CLOSED
MONDAY: CLOSED
TUESDAY: Noon ~ 4
WEDNESDAY: Noon ~ 4
THURSDAY: 10 ~ 4
FRIDAY: 10 ~ 4
SATURDAY: 10 ~ 4
402) 234-1444
https://www.facebook.com/hopesclosetlouisville/
* * * * *
UNDER HIS WINGS
511 Main St.
Plattsmouth, NE
SUNDAY: CLOSED
MONDAY: CLOSED
TUESDAY: 10 ~ 5
WEDNESDAY: 10 ~ 5
THURSDAY: 10 ~ 5
FRIDAY: 10 ~ 5
SATURDAY: 10 ~ 2
(402) 802-7115
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100054505718837
* * * * *
MY NEIGHBOR'S CLOSET
(South end of parking lot at Church of the Holy Spirit)
500 S 18th St.
Plattsmouth, NE
SUNDAY: CLOSED
MONDAY: CLOSED
TUESDAY: CLOSED
WEDNESDAY: CLOSED
*THURSDAY: 10 ~ 2
*FRIDAY: 10 ~ 2
*SATURDAY: 10 ~ 2
*No air conditioning, so we'll be open if not too hot!
402-296-3139
https://holyspiritplattsmouth.com/my-neighbors-closet/
* * * * *
FOR the LOVE of JUNK
317 4th St
Murdock, NE 68407
OPEN: Usually Saturdays, 9 am ~ 4 pm, or by appointment only
402-297-1360
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
We welcome all who love to read, whether you're from Elmwood, Murdock, or beyond!
Come join us!
Easy Library Links
Online Card Catalog https://elmwoodpubliclibrary.follettdestiny.com/
UNION, NE PLAYGROUND REVAMP
Union United Inc., (non-profit community improvement group in Union, Ne), is raising money for a new playground! Our goal is to provide a safe and fun environment for the families and children in our community. This will include replacing the outdated playground equipment, rebuilding the park's landscape and providing handicap accessibility.
We are very excited to be a part of this process and we know that any donation will help make an impact. Thank you in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to our community.
Union United Inc. is a 501(C)(3) organization- all donations are tax deductible and will come with a receipt for that purpose. To learn more information about Union United Inc. visit: https://www.unionnebraska.com/index.php/2014-09-22-00-40-49/union-united
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&;nbsp;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<;/a>
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 2024
2024 Community Sustaining Sponsor
2024 Community Sustaining Sponsor
2024 Community Sustaining Sponsor
2024 Community Sustaining Sponsor
2024 Community Sustaining Sponsor
2024 Community Sustaining Sponsor
2024 Community Sustaining Sponsor
2024 Community Sustaining Sponsor
2024 Community Sustaining Sponsor
2024 Community Sustaining Sponsor
2024 Community Sustaining Sponsor
2024 Community Sustaining Sponsor
2024 Community Sustaining Sponsor
2024 Community Sustaining Sponsor
..
.
Read Our Neighbors' Newsletters!