Sh-h-h! Santa's resting up for his big journey next week. Until then, be good so you can stay on his 'nice' list. You sure don't want him erasing your name or moving it to the 'naughty' one!
On Christmas Eve, December 24th, you'll be able to track where he is going next HERE!
Condolences to the Family and Friends of
Shelly Rucker
formerly of Beaver Lake, who passed on Friday, December 12, 2025.
You may read Shelly's obituary HERE.
Murray’s 4th Annual Christmas Light Contest!
There is no entry fee; everyone is welcome to decorate their house, business, or yard by December 12th. Winners will be announced on Thursday, December 18th.
If you would like to donate a prize or gift card on behalf of your family or your business, please contact the Clerk’s Office at 402-235-2119 or email murrayclerk@murrayvillage.com
For details, visit: [ 2025 4th ANNUAL CHRISTMAS LIGHT CONTEST ]
Deadline for Nebraska Letters About Literature Writing Contest Approaches
Nebraska students have one month left to submit their letter in the state-wide Letters About Literature reading and writing contest. Readers in grades 4-12 are invited to write a personal letter to an author for the Nebraska Letters about Literature (LAL) contest, a state reading and writing promotion program. The letter can be to any author (living or dead) from any genre- fiction or nonfiction, contemporary or classic-explaining how that author’s work changed the student’s view of the world. Submissions must be completed online by the end of the day December 31, 2025. Nebraska Letters About Literature is coordinated and sponsored by the Nebraska Center for the Book and the Nebraska Library Commission, with support from Lincoln City Libraries, Francie & Finch Bookshop, and Humanities Nebraska.
The Nebraska Center for the Book’s panel of judges will select a winner and an honorable mention per competition level (Level I for grades 4-6, Level II for grades 7-8, and Level III for grades 9-12) to be honored in a proclamation-signing ceremony at the state capitol during National Library Week in April 2026. Their winning letters will be placed in the Jane Pope Geske Heritage Room of Nebraska Authors at Bennett Martin Public Library in Lincoln. Nebraska winners and honorable mentions will receive state prizes.
Teachers, librarians, and parents can download the contest guidelines, free teaching materials, information on the online entry system, and past winning letters on the Nebraska Center for the Book website. An informational NCompass Live webinar aired on October 1st, discussing this year’s contest, the submission process, and judging criteria. For more information contact Nebraska Center for the Book.
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.”
DO YOU NEED HELP with FOOD, HOUSING or OTHER EMERGENCY SERVICES?
SENCA (Southeast Nebraska Community Action) is HERE to HELP YOU!
To drop off donations or pick up food at the local food pantry, you need to make an appointment.
Monday - Friday
8am - 4:30 pm
Call or text for appointment, 402-297-7418
SENCA Cass County Outreach
First Presbyterian Church, lower level
701 Chicago Ave.
Plattsmouth, NE 68048
(Please enter at the lower level on the north side of the church at the driveway directly across from Oakmont Drive, off of Chicago Avenue.)
Many people are struggling to make ends meet. If you can go out to dinner, shop online, attend special events or buy concert tickets, surely you can donate a little extra to help those less fortunate. You can be helping many with their heating and cooling bills when it's most needed.
Pennies for Power Energy Assistance Program has helped disadvantaged families pay for their electric energy-related expenses. Pennies for Power is administered by the Dollar Energy Fund who screens applicants and determines program eligibility. Funds for the program come from donations from NPPD customers and NPPD employees. Of the funds collected, 90 percent are dispersed to eligible participants.
Go to your Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) account and click on 'BILLING'. On the left side you'll see a menu of options including "PENNIES for POWER". Click here and you may enter any amount that you would like to donate.
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The Black Hills Cares program through Black Hills Energy also supports our neighbors who are struggling to pay their gas energy bills. Because if we’ve learned anything over the years, it’s that we all need a little extra help now and then. In the past 16 years, Black Hills Cares provided more than $9.1 million in customer, employee and company donations to assist those in need.
There are several ways to give. You can make a one-time donation, set up a monthly set amount or round-up your bill payment each month. If you pay your bill electronically, sign up through your online account to make a recurring monthly donation by clicking the 'Donate' button on your dashboard. (There are a few days during the billing cycle when this option isn’t available from your dashboard.) At any time, the online donation form is available to make a one-time donation. Or you can mail your donation to P.O. Box 6006, Rapid City, SD 57709.
If you donate through round-up or a recurring monthly amount, we’ll add that amount to your utility bill until you let us know when, or if, you want to discontinue your donations. At any time, you can change or stop your donation online or you can call us at 888-890-5554.
Black Hills Cares is a program of the Black Hills Corp. Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. All contributions to the Foundation are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.
SOMEWHERE, SOMEONE NEEDS YOUR BLOOD!
Grab some friends and schedule your blood, platelet or AB Elite plasma donation today.
Critical Need for Blood Donors!
Confirm days and times and
learn more HERE or call 1-800-733-2767.
* * * * *
Louisville
12/26/2025: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Louisville Civic Center, 423 Elm St
Weeping Water
1/8/2026: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., City Building, 101 W Eldora Ave
4107 Wavery Road
Murray, NE 68409
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
Elmwood, Nebraska's Community Center is open to all ages Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Lunch meals are served at noon for $6 and may be dine-in or carry-out, or $7 for delivery (to local addresses).
Please call, (402) 994-2145, at any time to make arrangements for lunch NO LATER THAN 9:30 on the day of your meal.
The facility is available for rental to the public. "Like" our Facebook page to keep up with all of our events!
Elmwood, NE Community Center Phone & Address:
144 N 4th St, Elmwood, NE 68349
(402) 994-2145
View auction inventory >>
by Lynne Halliday, James Hindman, Arlene Hutton and Craig Pospisil
Performances: December 18, 19, 20, 21
A diverse cast of characters navigate first meetings, second chances, and last-minute choices. From a lovesick mall Santa to an overeager mall cop, from a pair of brainy misfit teenagers to a pair of battling actors in a production of A Christmas Carol, a total of eight intertwined stories, all set in a Midwestern mall on the last day of shopping before the holiday. Experience the joys and sorrows of the season all in one festive package.
REMINDER...
There will be NO (P.A.R.C.)PLATTSMOUTH AMATEUR RADIO CLUB MEETING in DECEMBER. WE'LL MEET NEXT on the LAST SUNDAY, (NOT SATURDAY), on JANUARY 25, 2026, CATFISH LAKE, 5 pm, in the BACK ROOM, ORDERING off the MENU.
MERRY CHRISTMAS! SEE YOU NEXT YEAR!
211 Main Street
Louisville, NE
SHOW ADMISSION:
$7 at the door; Kids 12 & under, FREE!
UPCOMING:
FREE JAM SESSIIONS!
Second Sunday of the Month – Electric Jam Session (1:00 – 4:00 PM)
Fourth Sunday of the Month – Acoustic Only Jam Session (1:00 – 4:00 PM)
Bring your instruments and enjoy an afternoon of great music and good company!
Click the theater flyer above or HERE to read the latest CCMT news.
Call 402-949-0668 with any questions.
Check out new website at www.happypawsplattsmouth.org
And download foster application!
Happy Paws Plattsmouth is a volunteer-powered 501(c)(3) charitable organization serving Cass, Sarpy, and Douglas Counties
with one mission: to transform the lives of animals in need while enriching the families who welcome them home.
PLATTSMOUTH AMATEUR RADIO CLUB (P.A.R.C.)
KB0SMX
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.
(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
For more information about child abuse and neglect reporting in Nebraska, visit the DHHS website at https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Child-Abuse.aspx.
Read more about it HERE.
(Credit the Nebraska Examiner, July 5, 2024)
In-person and phone meetings are held weekly,
Mondays and Wednesdays, at noon, and Fridays at 5pm.
Hosanna Lutheran Church
700 S 18th St
Plattsmouth, NE
Come in person or attend by phone, call ing 605-562-8401, and enter access code 1239518#.
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
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
*CLOSED ALL OF JANUARY & FEBRUARY
https://www.bethelight402.org/thrift-and-gift
https://www.facebook.com/Bethelightbethevoice/
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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/
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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/
DO YOU KNOW...
The Newsletter you're reading now is only one of several weekly online Cass County Newsletters? Here are some others you might be interested in subscribing to:
www.AlvoNebraska.com
www.CedarCreekNebraska.com
www.EagleNebraska.com
www.ElmwoodNebraska.com
www.GreenwoodNebraska.com
www.LouisvilleNebraska.com
www.NehawkaNebraska.com
www.ManleyNebraska.com
www.MurrayNebraska.com
www.MurdockNebraska.com
www.PlattsmouthNebraska.com
www.SpringfieldNebraska.com
www.UnionNebraska.com
www.UnadillaNebraska.com
www.WeepingWaterNebraska.com
Community Newsletters are FREE - you can subscribe for 1, or 2, or 3 ... or ALL of them!
Be informed, know what is going on in your community and your surrounding neighborhoods.
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 or png format, no larger than 595 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!
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SUBSCRIBE to the MURRAY NEWSLETTER
It's easy and FREE!
If you enjoy reading this Newsletter and would like to subscribe, (it's FREE), go to the 'WHAT'S NEW' tab at the top of the Newsletter and enter your email address. Early each Wednesday you'll receive a message to click the link that will take you to the Newsletter.
NO WORRIES. We do NOT sell or give your e-address or phone to anyone!
If you have any trouble adding your e-address, please send a note to our website owners at John@wirebuilt.com or Irina@wirebuilt.com and they'll get it added. (They're the tech gurus here.)
Thanks for reading!
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