What's New

Nebraska Tops Rankings

* Nebraska is the 2nd Healthiest State for Stress, according to the Associated
Press's (AP) Economic Stress Index.

* The AP's Economic Stress Index also ranked the following 6 Nebraska counties
in the Top 20 least economically stressed counties with populations of at least 25,000:

2. Buffalo County
9. Madison County
12. Lancaster County
15. Platte County
16. Lincoln County
19. Adams County

http://hosted.ap.org/specials/interactives/_national/stress_index/

* Sand Creek Post and Beam of Wayne, Neb. was named 2011 Nebraska Small
Business of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

Others recognized by the SBA included:           
* Technical Maintenance & Service, Lincoln, as Small Business of the Year
2011 for Congressional District 1
* Nebraska Dance, LLC, Omaha, as Small Business of the Year 2011 for
Congressional District 2
* Clint Spearman Trucking, Scottsbluff, as Small Business of the Year 2011
for Congressional District 3
* Ronco Construction Company, Omaha, Family Owned Business of the Year
2011 for the State of Nebraska
* Cindy K. Johnson, Grand Island Chamber of Commerce, as Women in
Business Champion of the Year 2011-Statewide winner and Region VII winner
* Lisa Wolford, CSSS.Net, Bellevue, as Veteran Services Champion of the
Year 2011 for the State of Nebraska
* Dave Jibben, West Central Nebraska Development District, Inc., Ogallala,
as Financial Services Champion of the Year 2011 for the State of Nebraska
www.sba.gov/ne

* For the second time in three years, Fremont Contract Carriers (FCC) of Fremont
has been recognized by the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) as the "Best
Fleet to Drive For."  FCC received this recognition in 2009 and now again in 2011. 
This "Best Fleet to Drive For" program has only been in existence for three years. 
The TCA represents all truckload carriers in both the United States and Canada. 
To be selected as the best from this large group of trucking companies in quite
humbling. 
www.fcc-inc.com/

* Companies wanting to locate in high traffic hubs will find the second highest
rate of long haul freight activity in the U.S. in the State of Nebraska. The ranking
was recently unveiled in the 2010 INRIX National Traffic Scorecard Annual Report.
The "freight activity by state" ranking is new to this year's report and not only high-
lights the importance of states with significant corridors-Nebraska's I-80 among
them-but states with key corridors in combination with one or more crossroad
city. According to INRIX, "These top five have on average twice the relative long
haul freight activity as compared to the average state." 
www.inrix.com/scorecard/TopFreightState.asp

* American Cowboy, the Western lifestyle magazine, named North Platte as one
of 20 Best Places to Live The West.
http://americancowboy.com/travel/trips/texasoklahomagreaplains

* Lincoln was rated first in the 2010 Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index, with the
highest percentage of satisfied residents.
www.gallup.com/poll/146789/Jobs-Key-Residents-Satisfaction-Communities.aspx

* Gallup named Lincoln as the second-happiest city in the U.S. in its Well-Being
Index.
www.gallup.com/poll/146645/Boulder-Colo-Leads-Metro-Areas-Wellbeing.aspx

***

State Announces Second Reverse Trade Mission Sept. 7-10

"Bringing the World to Nebraska" is the mission of the State's Second Reverse
Trade Mission (RTM), slated for Sept. 7 through Sept. 10 in conjunction with the
annual Nebraska Diplomats Passport to Nebraska Weekend. The second RTM
will emphasize the food, energy, and water industries, targeting many countries,
including China and numerous European nations. Governor Heineman is planning
to host around 75 international guests. The State is focused on foreign direct in-
vestment and creation of new export opportunities. The RTM is expected to involve
CEOs and company executives with particular business expertise matched to
specific goals and opportunities available with Nebraska-based companies.
Additional information on the reverse trade mission is available online at
www.WorldToNebraska.com.

FREMONT POWER PARK

Fremont received $982,892 CDBG funding from DED to move forward with
developing a power park site equipped and "shovel ready" with basic infrastructure
to attract high tech data centers, high tech industries, and companies with inten-
sive power needs. Fremont is in the process of developing 80-plus acres into the
speculative data park in the city's north central section. The site has large quantities
of low cost, reliable power (with the ability to provide up to 25+MW), water, sewer,
and telecommunications. The property also offers green advantage capabilities in
construction and operation, including geothermal and outside air economization for
cooling. On completion, the park may be leased or purchased by a single business,
or multiple businesses. The project will create at least 31 full-time jobs.

For information about Fremont's speculative data park, contact Jan Rise at
402-727-2624, or janrise@fremontne.gov.  Also visit www.TechNebraska.com.

Tecumseh Becomes First DED Leadership Community

The City of Tecumseh is the first Nebraska community to earn designation as
DED Leadership Community. DED initiated the Leadership Community desig-
nation to help communities institute a solid planning and implementation process
in face of constant new challenges and pressures.  For information on Tecumseh,
contact Paula Darling, City Clerk, 402-335-4011, or pdarling@windstream.net.
For additional DED Leadership Community program information or to apply for
the program, visit
http://www.neded.org/community/community-info/community-improvement/
community-improvement-program.

York Earns Nebraska EDCC Designation

York has become a Nebraska Economic Development Certified Community (EDCC).
The Nebraska Economic Development Certified program, sponsored by the Nebraska
Diplomats, is one of a handful nationally that recognize communities' economic devel-
opment preparedness. DED administers the application process.

For information about York, contact Cassie Seagren, Executive Director of York County
Development Corp., at 402-362-3333, or cseagren@yorkdevco.com

For information about the Nebraska Economic Development Certified Community
program, or a full list of certified communities, visit:
www.neded.org/economic-development-certified-community/certified-communities.

DED Annual Report Available Online

The 2010 FY Nebraska Department of Economic Development Annual Report is
available online at:
http://www.neded.org/files/AnnualReport/DED_AnnualReport_2010_WEB.pdf.

THE NEBRASKA DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
www.neded.org | 800-426-6505 | patty.wood@nebraska.gov
301 Centennial Mall South | P.O. Box 94666 | Lincoln, NE 68509-4666

Our Mission: To develop economic opportunities by keeping Nebraska
businesses, communities and people competitive.

If appropriately credited, material in this newsletter may be reproduced
without permission. It is the policy of the Nebraska Department of Economic
Development not to discriminate on the basis of sex, disability, race, color,
religion, marital status, age or national or ethnic origin.

It's Drive Time

Nebraska is entering peak golfing season, which means there's
no better place to tee it high and let it fly.

The state's diverse landscape makes for all kinds of great golf. You'll
find nine-hole gems, sand greens, links-style courses, and several
national award winners-including a Golf Digest pick for one of
America's best new courses.

Learn more about Nebraska golf and request a free brochure . Packed
with beautiful photography and information about dozens of courses
across the state, it will give you a glimpse into what makes Nebraska
such a popular golfing destination.

So what are you waiting for? It's time to get driving.

http://www.golfne2011.com/

The Lofte Advances to Regional Competition

The Lofte Community Theatre's cutting of the full-length play,

"Leaving Iowa,"

recently won top awards at the

Nebraska Association of Community Theaters competition
and will be advancing to the
Regional Competition
being held in
Salina, KS April 27-May 1.

To help offset travel costs,  The Lofte will be collecting a Free Will
Donation and all proceeds will be designated for Region V expenses.

"Leaving Iowa" will be the Lofte's season opener and the full-length
play will run May 28-June 12.

If you could not attend the free will performance on April 26th, but still
wish to contribute to the Lofte team, please contact the Lofte's box
office at (402) 234-2553.

"Annie" Auditions at the Lofte

The Lofte Community Theatre will be holding auditions for its summer musical,
"Annie"
at 2pm and 7pm on Sunday, May 8,
and
7pm on Monday, May 9.

There are six roles available for girls ages 7-13.  It is suggested that children come
to the Sunday afternoon audition session.  There are roles for eight men and eight
women of various ages.  A complete cast list can be found on the Lofte website,
www.Lofte.com.

The production will be directed by Kevin Colbert.  Those who audition should bring
a prepared song of no more than one minute in length.  An accompanist is provided. 
Dress comfortably and wear appropriate shoes for dancing.  If necessary, callbacks
will be held between May 10 and May 12.

Rehearsals will begin as early as June 6.

Production dates for the play are July 22-August 7.

If further information is needed, please email Artistic Director Kevin Colbert at
LofteDirector@Lofte.com.

A Health Fair for Body, Mind, and Spirit!
Sponsored by Health & Healing Ministry

Saturday, April 30, 2011

9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

First Lutheran Church
1025 Ave D
Plattsmouth, NE

A Health Fair for Plattsmouth and the surrounding communities to come and discover
health related opportunities are in the area.

Participate and receive health screening information particular to age group and gender.

Health information and much more for Kids, Women, Men, Teens, and Seniors.

Pulmonary Function Testing

Kidney Early Evaluation Program will be present and free to everyone with hypertenstion,
diabeties, protein in the urine, or any early kidney disorder.

Plant Sale

Louisville Vol Firemen's Auxiliary
Help us raise money for scholarships, and other events that we help support!

Saturday, May 7th  9-2p.m.
Louisville Fire Station

Large selection of bedding and garden plants!

Jumbo Annual 6 Paks, Vegetable plants, Herb planters, Baskets, Vines,
Perennials, Grass and Much Much More!

Plants are grown locally by Janet's Jungle in Fremont, NE

www.janetsjungle.com

http://www.janetsjungle.com/images3/louisville_secondary_page.html

Any questions please contact:

Teri McClun 234.4161

Candy McClun 234.4995

lvfdauxiliary@gmail.com

MARCH of DIMES' WALK for BABIES

The mission of March of Dimes is to improve the health of babies
by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality.
We're looking for walkers and sponsors for the health of these
precious babies!

Every day, thousands of babies are born too soon, too small and
often very sick. Our team is walking in March for Babies because
we want to do something about this. I know you care, too. That's
why I'm asking you to join us. It's easy..use this link and sign up....
http://www.marchforbabies.org/s_team_page.asp?seid=1508329

If you can't walk with us, please help by donating to our team. You
can do so right on this page. Thank you for helping us give all babies
a healthy start!

Sunday, May 1, 2011

Mahoney State Park
28500 West Park Hwy
Ashland, NE 68003

Walk Distance: 3 miles
Registration Time: 9:00 AM
Start Time: 10:00 AM

Chapter: Northeast Division
Phone: (402) 496-7111

Click on the link below to sign up!
http://www.marchforbabies.org/s_team_page.asp?seid=1508329

There will be free admission to the park, free parking, free
breakfast (Krispy Kreme & Starbucks) and lunch.  For
the kids a big top tent will be full of carnival games to
play.  Entertainment after the walk will be the String Beans
Band (kids band). The lunch is being provided by Arby's and
Blue Bunny ice cream for a cool treat!

"Team Dannielle"

Dannielle was born at 28 weeks.  She weighed 1lb 13oz and
was 14" long.

Today Dannielle weighs 13lbs and is 23" long.
She has come a long way thanks to the March of Dimes and
their research.

Thanks!
Jason, Teri & Dannielle McClun

Questions: TeamDannielle@yahoo.com or contact
Jason & Teri McClun 402.234.4161

Global Water for Food Conference in Lincoln May 1-4

Sunday, May 1, through May 4

Cornhusker Marriott Hotel, 333 S. 13th Street, Lincoln, Neb.,

International experts will explore potential solutions for growing more food with limited
water to feed the world's rapidly growing population at the third annual global Water for
Food Conference May 1-4.

"Paths to Solutions" is the theme of this year's conference at Lincoln's Cornhusker
Marriott Hotel, hosted by the Robert B. Daugherty Water for Food Institute at the University
of Nebraska and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The conference fosters international
dialogue on key issues related to the use of water for agriculture. It provides opportunities
to learn from speakers with extensive experience and perspectives from diverse cultures.

Registration is $250, which includes all conference events, materials and meals. Online
registration, schedule and the latest information on speakers are available at the
conference website: http://waterforfood.nebraska.edu/wff2011.

"This conference attracts experts from across Nebraska and around the world who are
committed to developing solutions to one of mankind's great challenges: how to feed a
rapidly growing global population with finite amounts of land and water," said James
B. Milliken, University of Nebraska president. "The University of Nebraska's Water for
Food Institute, which builds on the university's long history in water research and policy
analysis, is taking a leadership role in this important international issue."

Featured speakers will include Jeff Raikes, CEO of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation;
Anil Jain, managing director, Jain Irrigation Ltd. of India; Anders Berntell, executive director,
Stockholm International Water Institute; Pasquale Steduto, principal officer, United
Nations/FAO Water; Andras Szollosi-Nagy, rector, UNESCO-IHE Institute for WaterEducation;
and others. More than 30 speakers and panelists will discuss diverse approaches to
meeting the challenge of producing enough food with limited water supplies. Sessions
will include panel discussions featuring agricultural producers from several countries; a
CEO panel offering industry perspectives on water for food challenges; technical sessions
on "Quantitative Food Security: Yield Gaps, Water and Nitrogen Productivity," "Maximizing
Water Use Efficiency in Agriculture," and "Evaluation of Aquifer Resources in Sub-Saharan
Africa" and a case study on "Securing Water for Agriculture: California's High-Stakes
Challenge."

The 2010 conference drew more than 300 representatives from universities, agriculture,
industry, government and nongovernmental organizations worldwide and more are expected
this year. The conference is the preeminent event of the university's Water for Food Institute,
a research, policyand education institute established in 2010 and committed to efficiently
using the world's limited freshwater to ensure a reliable food supply. Participants in the
2011 Water for Food Conference will help inform the institute's work. "The University of
Nebraska is proud to join with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to host what is surely
becoming the leading conference in the world focused on the strategic use of water for food,"
Milliken said.

HARMONICA WORKSHOP / CONCERT

David Seay, Master Artist with the Nebraska Arts Council, will be presenting a

Harmonica Workshop/Concert
Sunday, May 8
2:30 PM
Old Avoca Schoolhouse
Avoca, Nebraska

The concert will be downstairs in The Old Avoca Schoolhouse, and  followed by
light refreshments, and a jam session with the performers.  Avoca is in southern
Cass County, Nebraska, on the 13 C Spur,  one mile south of Highway 34.

Admission is $5.00 for adults, and $1.00 for children and students.

Decent 10 hole diatonic harmonicas in the key of C will be available for purchase
for $3.00 each so everyone can join in the fun.  For more information, write to
Greenblatt & Seay, The Old Schoolhouse, P.O. Box 671, Avoca, Nebraska, 68307
or call 402-275-3221, or e-mail them atdebby@greenblattandseay.com.

The historic Old Avoca Schoolhouse was built in 1925, and has been the home of
the Schoolhouse Performance Series since 1990.  Music lessons, workshops, fiddle
camps, and field trips are offered by Schoolhouse residents, Greenblatt & Seay and
are available by appointment.

Avoca is in southern Cass County, Nebraska, on the 13 C Spur, one mile south of
Highway 34 and three miles east of Highway 50. For more information, write to
Greenblatt & Seay, P.O. Box 671, Avoca, NE, 68307, or call 402-275-3221, or
e-mail them at g-s@greenblattandseay.com, or visit their web site at
www.greenblattandseay.com.

###

Workshop for Folks Who Have Never Fiddled

For folks who have never played a fiddle or violin, and are brave
enough to try, come to the

Schoolhouse Fiddle Workshop for Folks Who Have Never Fiddled.

Championship fiddler and fiddle book author, Deborah Greenblatt,
will share some hints about beginning fiddling, shopping for a fiddle,
reading music, playing by ear, etc.  Fiddles will be available for
participants to play, and source lists and advice for further study will
be provided.

The Workshop takes place on Saturday, May 14, 2011, 1 PM - 3 PM,
in the Old Avoca Schoolhouse, Avoca, Nebraska. 
Pre-registration is required, enrollment is limted, and there is a $20.00 fee.

For more information, call 402-275-3221, or send an e-mail to
debby@greenblattandseay.com.

###

SCHOOLHOUSE FIDDLE CAMP REGISTRATION is OPEN NOW

Registration is now open for the 2011 Schoolhouse Fiddle Camps, in the Old Avoca Schoolhouse,
in Avoca, Nebraska.

Deborah Greenblatt, championship fiddler, author of many fiddle collections, will help the campers
get in touch with their inner fiddler.  The course of study during the Schoolhouse Fiddle Camps will
be designed specifically for the individual campers who sign up.

Fiddle Camp for Beginners is Monday, June 13 - Friday, June 17.  This 5 day camp includes some
of the basics and fun of fiddling, such as performing in public, practice techniques, reading music,
playing y ear, and jamming.  Fiddling styles include bluegrass, Cajun, Irish, Klezmer, old-time, and
newly composed tunes by the campers.  Movement and singing are included in the experience.

Fiddle Camp for Intermediate/Advanced Fiddlers is Monday, July 11 - Friday, July 15.  Campers
will discuss picking tunes for contests, performing in public, practice techniques, reading music,
playing by ear, playing for dancers, back-up fiddling, arranging twin fiddle pieces , and jamming.
Many fiddling styles will be represented, including original compositions by the campers. 
Campers can sign up for all 5 days, or just 2 days, or just one day of Intermediate camp.

Monday & Tuesday is for reading fiddlers/violinists who want to read more tunes. This mini-camp
is perfect for fiddlers who want to improve their music reading skills, and for classically trained
violinists, violists, and cellists who are interested in various fiddling styles. Using sheet music in
standard notation, these campers will get to improve their sight reading, and experience the fun
of playing fiddle tunes at the same time! Fiddling styles included in the sessions will be tailored
to the interest of the campers who register.

Wednesday & Thursday is for fiddlers/violinists who want to learn tunes by ear. This mini-camp
is designed to jump-start your ability to pick up tunes quickly by ear, and to make them stick!
Tunes used will reflect various styles, meters, tempos, and difficulty levels.

Friday is for fiddlers who "just wanna have fun". This mini camp includes jamming, modulating,
singing, dancing, experimenting, sharing, improvising, and playing fiddle related instruments.

Each day is scheduled from 9 AM - 1 PM.  Registration is available on line at
www.greenblattandseay.com.

For more information, contact Deborah Greenblatt at debby@greenblattandseay.com.

The Otoe County Genealogical Society will be the local host society
for the 34th Annual Nebraska State Genealogical Society conference
that will be held at the Nebraska City First United Methodist Church
from May 6th through the 7th.  The conference will feature nationally-renown
speaker, Gail Blankenau, whose presentations include: Breaking through
with Land Records, Introduction to German Parish Records, Dating and
Identifying Your 19th Century Photographs, Keeping Up with the Joneses...
and Smiths, and Rich Resources for Poor Ancestors.

Cost for the 2-day conference is $75.00 and for a 1-day session is $40.00.

Registration information for the conference can be found on the Otoe County
Genealogical Society's main web page.

HOW to SUBMIT ARTICLES for this NEWSLETTER...

Event announcements and advertising can be an enormous expense when
you're wanting or needing to get the word out.  If you've checked into regular
newspaper pricing lately for such items, you'll know what I'm talking about.  So
why spend your hard-earned money, when you can accomplish the same thing
right here - FREE - on your local news website?

Below is a list of categories that will cost you absolutely nothing, except the
time to submit it, (which you'd have to do with a regular newspaper anyway):

Wedding / Engagement Announcements and Photos
Birth Announcements
Letters to the Editor
Birthday Greeting
Upcoming Events
Cards of Thanks
Lost and Found
Obituaries
Recipes
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
NO LATER THAN NOON on the prior MONDAY and it's so easy to submit
your news.

1.)  You may call your information to 402-235-2926,
Leave a voice mail with your name phone number.

2.)  Email your story to Editor@MurrayNebraska.com
NO 'zip' files, please, and send photos in jpg format, if possible,
no larger than 340 x 480 pixels. (Picnik.com is a FREE photo editing website
where you can edit your photos before submitting them.  Try it, it's easy - and FREE!)

3.)  Send items via the U.S. postal service to:
Editor, MurrayNebraska.com
201 N How Ave, Murray, NE, 68409-8403. 
(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.

Thanks for helping to keep YOUR Murray Newsletter fresh and up-to-date!

www.MurrayNebraska.com

***

SUBSCRIBE to the MURRAY NEWSLETTER...

We're glad you're enjoying reading the FREE Murray Newsletter!
Would you like to automatically receive it every week?

At the top of the 'Home' page, just slide your mouse over the 'WHAT'S NEW' tab. 
When the drop-down menu appears with 'NEWSLETTER', slide the mouse to
the right to 'SUBSCRIBE to NEWSLETTER', then fill in your e-address.

It's absolutely FREE and no need to worry...we won't sell or distribute your
address to anyone!

www.MurrayNebraska.com

Community Sustaining Sponsors 2011

2011 Community Sustaining Sponsor

2011 Community Sustaining Sponsor

2011 Community Sustaining Sponsor

2011 Community Sustaining Sponsor

2011 Community Sustaining Sponsor

2011 Community Sustaining Sponsor

2011 Community Sustaining Sponsor

2011 Community Sustaining Sponsor

2011 Community Sustaining Sponsor

2011 Community Sustaining Sponsor

2011 Community Sustaining Sponsor

2011 Community Sustaining Sponsor

2011 Community Sustaining Sponsor

2011 Community Sustaining Sponsor

2011 Community Sustaining Sponsor

2011 Community Sustaining Sponsor