Tuesday is Valentine's Day!
On Monday morning, February 6th, Angela Stevens sent this photo she took of
the Murray water tower. As the overnight fog was slowly lifting, it left behind a
frozen wonderland of icy tree sculptures over the landscape.
Thanks for sharing this with everyone, Angela!
COUGAR SPORTS
(Home games in BOLD print.)
COUGAR WRESTLING
VARSITY
February:
16-18 @ State Tournament, TBA/TBA
JR. HIGH
February:
21 CONESTOGA TRI, HOME, 4:15
25 @ Weeping Water Tourney, 9 a.m.
27 @ Palmyra Tri, 4:30
March:
2 @ Fort Calhoun Tournament, 4:30
6 @ Platteview Quad, 4:15
8 @ Louisville Tri, 4:30
13 @ Auburn Quad, 4:00
COUGAR BASKETBALL
GIRLS' VARSITY
February:
9 @ Syracuse, 6:00
13, 14, 16 Sub-Districts, TBA
24 District Finals, TBA
March:
1-3 State Tournament, TBA
GIRLS' JV
February:
9 @ Syracuse, 4:30
GIRLS' FRESHMAN
GIRLS' JR. HIGH
February:
9 v Louisville, 5:00
18 @ Palmyra Tournament, 9:30 a.m.
21 v Auburn, 4:30
25 @ Elmwood-Murdock, 10 a.m.
BOYS' VARSITY
February:
9 @ Syracuse, 7:30
17 @ Weeping Water, 7:30
20-21, 23 Sub-Districts, TBA/TBA
27 District Finals, TBA/TBA
March:
8-10 @ STATE TOURNAMENT, TBA
BOYS' JV
February:
9 @ Syracuse, 4:30
17 @ Weeping Water, 6:00
Boy Scout Troop 471
"All You Can Eat"
Pancake Feed
Free - Will Donation
"Fat" Tuesday, February 21, 2012
5:15 pm - 7:30 pm
Murray Christian Church
Boy Scouts will be serving
pancakes with syrup, sausage and
juice and/or coffee.
Please join us!!!
Cass County Youth Celebrate Nebraska 4-H Month During February
The month of February is Nebraska 4-H Month, and Cass County is celebrating the 4-H youth who have made an impact on the community, and are stepping up to the challenges of a complex and changing world.
Recent findings from Tufts University's 4-H Study of Positive Youth Development indicate that young people in 4-H are three times more likely to contribute to their communities than youth not participating in 4-H. Notably, the Tufts research discovered that the structured learning, encouragement and adult mentoring that 4-H'ers receive play a vital role in helping them actively contribute to their communities. In Cass County, more than 500 4-H members and 100 volunteers are involved in 4-H.
4-H youth are a living, breathing, culture-changing revolution for doing the right thing, breaking through obstacles and pushing our country forward by making a measurable difference right where they live.
Learn how you can Join the Revolution of Responsibility at 4h.unl.edu or at 4-H.org/revolution, or contact Diane Mayfield, Extension Associate, at University of Nebraska – Lincoln Extension in Cass County at 402-267-2205 or casscounty@unl.edu">casscounty@unl.edu. Cass County’s website is www.cass.unl.edu.
Crock-Pot Cook Off
Conestoga Ambassadors of Europe are hosting a Crock Pot Cook Off!
Saturday, March 31st
Conestoga High School
Time: 11:30am-12pm Participant Set Up
12-1pm is tasting and judging/voting by the community.
1-2pm is tallying up votes and awards
Each participant can enter in one to three categories.
Category 1:
Soups
Stews
Chili
Category 2:
Dessert
Category 3:
Misc
Winners are presented with prizes and get to hold bragging rights.
Entrance fee $20 regardless of number of entries.
You supply the ingredients, crockpots, utensils for serving and extension cords for your crockpots. You may bring decorations or signs to display in your area. Please supply a recipe with every entry and a sign stating ingredients for the public to view for allergy warnings.
Plates, bowls and silverware will be supplied.
Bottled water will be supplied and bread or crackers to clear taste buds.
All proceeds benefit Conestoga Ambassadors of Europe for their 2012 Italy/Switzerland Trip.
or text (402)306-8996 for sign up or questions.
Entry fees and registrations due by Friday, March 2nd, 2012.
Thank you for your support!
IT'S GIRL SCOUT COOKIE TIME!
Cookie Booth Locations for Conestoga Girl Scout Troop 201
Thursday, February 9, 6-8pm @ Firehouse Grille
Saturday, February 11, 1-4 @ Murray Lumber
$3.50 per box. Cash only!!!
Thank you for supporting our troop!
Proceeds help with camps, badges and uniforms.
Girl Scout Troop 201
The CASS COUNTY GOING GREEN recycle trailer will be located on these dates in the following towns:
Feb. 11 - 17, Murray
Feb 18 - 24, Beaver Lake
Feb 18 - 29, Nehawka
March 3 - 9, Murray
March 20 - 16, Beaver Lake
March 17 - 30, Nehawka
March 24 - 30, Murray
(Murray will also continue to have the recycle bin located behind Town Hall every day for Murray residents' use only.)
Union Pacific CEO Announces $1 Billion Investment in Nebraska
Celebrates 150 Years of Doing Business in Nebraska
Union Pacific Chairman and CEO Jim Young announced the company’s planned $1 billion investment in Nebraska over the next several years as part of its capital investment programs. The $1 billion will be spent on projects across the state, including the following:
* Union Pacific is expanding capacity at its North Platte rail yard, the largest railroad classification yard in the world, with a $70 million investment for better throughput by adding track and technology upgrades.
* About 125 trains a day transport goods through Nebraska on Union Pacific’s main line – making it the busiest freight rail transportation corridor in the U.S. An investment of approximately $220 million in new rail, ties and other work will increase capacity and fluidity on this busy corridor.
* Between Fremont and Missouri Valley, Union Pacific plans to spend $206 million on new crew change buildings, a bridge over the Elkhorn River, new technology and track. This is a multiple-year project to move trains more efficiently and improve service.
“We’re proud that Union Pacific has been part of Nebraska for 150 years. Today’s announcement of our $1 billion infrastructure investment in the state renews our commitment to helping stimulate business and job growth in Nebraska,” said Young.
About 8,000 of Union Pacific's 45,000 employees are in Nebraska, creating a payroll of nearly $1 billion. Union Pacific operates 1,068 miles of track in the state. www.up.com/
Blazer Manufacturing Co. is known as Columbus, Neb.’s best-kept secret.
Founded in 1974 by Gordon Blaser in his garage, Blazer Manufacturing Co. began with one product—hurdles. What started as a one-man operation now employs 20 in Columbus and has 5 employees in its Fremont sales office. Products now include sports equipment for schools, industrial steel products including oil containers, and parts for agricultural equipment. Products are distributed directly and by dealers in all 50 states, Canada and Mexico. www.blazerathletic.com/
Free 2012 Travel Guide Now Available
The 2012 Nebraska Travel Guide featuring more than 180 pages of striking photography, useful maps and attraction information is now available. The guide has everything you
need to rediscover the road trip in Nebraska. Travelers will find ideas for exploring the great outdoors, communing with nature and uncovering the state’s rich history. The free travel guide can be ordered at
www.visitnebraska.gov/travel-tools/travel-guide-request.
Tourism Strategic Plan Meetings Begin Across the State
Conventions, Sports and Leisure (CSL) has held two rounds of focus group meetings in Nebraska this year. The Minnesota-based consulting firm was hired by the State Tourism Advisory Board to gather information and present a new Tourism Strategic Plan to the industry and the Legislature. As part of the information gathering process, CSL plans to
make as many personal contacts as possible in the time period allotted. Another round of focus groups will be held in Thedford, Kearney and Grand Island the week of March 19.
Passport Expanding to Include 80 Stops
DED’s Travel & Tourism Division is expanding its 2012 Passport program to include 80 stops featured within 10 tours: wineries, golf, festivals, culture/history, water recreation/adventure, parks, unique accommodations, family fun, culinary and GROW Nebraska. The Passport program encourages travelers to visit attractions statewide,
collect stamps at designated stops and earn prizes in the process. The program runs from May through September.
Commemorating the 150th Anniversary of the Homestead ActHomestead National Monument of America in Beatrice is celebrating the 150
th anniversary of the Homestead Act with an extensive schedule of events planned throughout 2012. The Homestead Act of 1862 gave individuals the opportunity to claim free government land.Tens-of-thousands of people rose to the challenge and 270 million acres were claimed and settled under the act. The Act, signed by President Abraham Lincoln is considered one of the 100 most important documents in the National Archives
and will be on display at Homestead National Monument from April 25 through May 28. For the complete schedule of events, visit
www.nps.gov/home.
Nebraska’s Alexander Payne Receives Awards
Kudos to Omaha native Alexander Payne and his team for the Golden Globe(s) awards received recently in Hollywood. The Hollywood Foreign Press Association has just rewarded his film ‘The Descendants’ with two salutes: best film and best actor to George Clooney. ‘The Descendants’ also received five Academy Award nominations, including two for Payne, including nods for best picture, director, actor, adapted screenplay and
editing.
Keith Larsen appointed Nebraska/Iowa ELAN Coordinator
Keith P. Larsen, a shareholder at McGrath North, Mullin & Kratz, PC LLO, was recently
appointed coordinator for the Export Legal Assistance Network (ELAN) covering Nebraska and Iowa. ELAN is composed of more than 250 attorneys across the U.S. who volunteer their time to provide an initial legal consultation free of charge to companies wanting to export or just beginning to export their products to international markets. These attorneys will provide a general overview of the legal aspects of international trade, covering issues relating to export licensing, domestic and foreign tax regulations, tariffs, intellectual property rights and other key legal issues as they apply to individual companies and products. They will also provide introductory information on other resources available for additional export assistance, i.e., banks, freight forwarders, insurance companies andstate and federal programs.
For additional information on ELAN and contact information for the coordinator in your area, visit:
www.exportlegal.org/ELAN_Home_Page.html. ELAN is a cooperative program among the Federal Bar Association, U.S. Department of Commerce, and U.S. Small Business Administration.
Contact Susan Rouch, DED’s International Trade & Investment Office, 402-471-4468 or susan.rouch@nebraska.gov
SHARP Program Available to Nebraska Employers
The Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP) offers Nebraska
employers the opportunity to earn recognition for demonstrating a strong commitment to workplace safety and health. This commitment is measured through reduced occupational injuries and illnesses and development of a safety and health management program. Once a company achieves the prestigious SHARP status, a certificate of recognition is awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor/OSHA who removes the company from OSHA’s routine inspection list for one year.
Contact: (402) 471-4717 or http://dol.nebraska.gov/employers/safety/sharp.pdf.
Financial Support for Small Businesses Expanding into International Markets
DED has received a State Trade and Export Program (STEP) grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration to help small businesses expand into and increase activity in international markets. As a result, DED is offering several new marketing opportunities, including:
• The International Market Access Grant (IMAG) program, which will reimburse Nebraska companies’ expenses related to attending U.S. or international export-focused trade shows.
• Gold Key Matching Service Program, International Partner Search Program, International Company Profile Program and Commercial News USA (all offered in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Commerce).
To apply for the IMAG program or learn more information, contact Michael Kuzma at 402-309-4286 or mike.kuzma@nebraska.gov, or Susan Rouch at 402-471-4668 or susan.rouch@nebraska.gov
Apply by March 15 for State’s Microenterprise Lending Program
Eligible nonprofit organizations have until March 15 to apply for up to as much as $700,000 in grant funding per year in 2012 and 2013 through the state’s Microenterprise Lending Program.
To learn more, visit: or contact Christina Bartels at 800-426-6505, 402-471-3172 or christina.bartels@nebraska.gov
Nominations Sought for Showcase Community Awards
DED is accepting nominations through March 20 for the 2012 Showcase Community Awards. Up to three communities may ultimately be designated Showcase Communities.
A community may nominate itself or another community. Designated Showcase Communities must either wait five years to resubmit their own nomination, or be nominated again by another community for the Awards. Development professionals may submit nominations. The form is available at
http://www.neded.org/community/community-info/community-improvement/community-development-week. The Award recognizes those communities that have demonstrated an exceptional capacity to identify development goals and strategies; combined local, state and federal resources to achieve goals; and accomplished positive impact projects during the past 5-10 years.This year, National Community Development Week will be celebrated April 8-14, and the awards will be presented during a press conference with Gov. Heineman on April 9 at 10:30 a.m. (CST).
Glam Valentines Party
with
The Women You Love!
Art Chicks Saturday February 11th
Adult seatings (16 and up) 11:30 and 1:00
All Ages Seating 2:30
Come dressed to impress in your old formals, sparkley anything that you never have a place to wear, raid the good will and just have fun! As always-we will have plenty of accessories to make anything special. Make your reservations today, 234-2669.
VISUAL FAITH
The Power of Prayer Proven Through Sight
Visual Faith Ministry was founded by Jimmy and Jill Nichols. God's awesome power became visible when their son was born 16 weeks prematurely. Jake thrived in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
The ministry actively supports NICU families, as well as the local community and church. Visual Faith Ministry cherishes any opportunity to share the miracle of our Savior, Jesus Christ!!
Contact Jimmy or Jill Nichols at 402-227-5094 / 5095
or
email at VisualFaithMinistry @gmail.com
or check out the website at
Plan your Escape
Request your free copy of the 2012 Nebraska Travel Guide and find everything you need to create the perfect Nebraska adventure. The guide features page after page of striking photography; information about attractions, activities and lodging; helpful maps; and more.
"LITTLE FOOTSTEPS"
at
MAHONEY STATE PARK
KBC Productions announces that their production of "Little Footsteps"
at Kountze Memorial Theater inside Mahoney State Park.
Written by Ted Tally, the story is a hilarious and cautionary tale of impending parent
hood. Ben and Joanie are a couple who are about to become parents for the first time.
Ben's own uneasiness about the situation soon leads to Joanie finding herself as a
single parent-to-be. Will they grow up before their baby does? This show has a sug
Starring in the show as the young couple are Corey Misek and Noelle Bohaty, both of
Lincoln. Director Kevin Colbert and his wife Betty, both of Weeping Water, also ap
Performances run February 10-12, 14, and 17-19.
Showtimes are 7:30 pm except for Sundays which are 2 pm matinees.
Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for children.
For reservations, please call Mahoney state Park at (402) 944-2523 ext. 7122.
"Schoolhouse Irish Fiddling Camp"
The Old Avoca Schoolhouse in Avoca, Nebraska will be hosting a special
"Schoolhouse Irish Fiddling Camp",
for fiddlers, violists, guitarists, and ukulele players. The sessions will be led by championship fiddler and author, Deborah Greenblatt.
The camp will be on Monday, March 12 - Friday, March 16, from 9 AM to 1 PM.
You can sign up for 1 day, or 2 days, or 3 days, or 4 days, or all 5 days.
On Monday & Tuesday, participants will be mostly reading tunes, using sheet
music in standard notation. We'll be learning melodies, harmonies, and chords.
You will be improving your sight reading, and experiencing fiddling fun.
On Wednesday & Thursday, we will be mostly playing tunes by ear, so feel free
to bring your recording gadgets. Sheet music versions of the tunes will be
provided for you by the end of camp, just in case your ears need the help.
sharing, and playing fiddle related instruments.
On Friday, we will be mostly jamming, modulating, singing, dancing, experimenting,
Enrollment for the "Schoolhouse Irish Fiddling Camp" is limited, so e-mail Deborah
debby@greenblattanseay.com if you are interested in participating, or if you have
2012 Elections
As many of you know, the Primary Election is just around the corner with the
Primary Election coming up on May 15, 2012.
If you need to get registered to vote, or need to update your voter registration
(CLICK HERE) (Here is the link in case it doesn't load:
The Election Office, now located at 201 Main Street, is now accepting Early
Voting Applications for the upcoming Primary Election. These can be obtained
1.) You could take a trip to downtown Plattsmouth, and visit the new office. While
there you can fill out your request.
2.) You could call 402-296-9309 and request a form to be mailed to you.
3.) Lastly, you can visit the Cass County Website and download a form.
(CLICK HERE) (Here is the link incase it doesn't load:
There are also a few filing deadlines that will be here before we know it!
Incumbent Filing Deadline (which is ANY elective office holder)
February 15, 2012
Non-Incumbent FIling Deadline
March 1, 2012
Blood Donations Needed Each Day to Respond to Patient Emergencies
Blood given by donors reflective of the patients who need their help is critical to maintaining a safe and adequate blood supply. February is Black History Month, and the American Red Cross encourages eligible blood donors of all ethnicities to give blood, helping to ensure the best possible transfusion outcomes for patients in need.
How to Donate Blood
Simply call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to
make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to
ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license, or
two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17
years of age (16 with parental permission in some states), 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 have to meet
certain height and weight requirements.
About the American Red Cross
Governed by volunteers and supported by giving individuals and communities, the
American Red Cross is the single largest supplier of blood products to hospitals
throughout the United States. While local hospital needs are always met first, the
Red Cross also helps ensure no patient goes without blood no matter where or
when they need it. In addition to providing nearly half of the nation’s blood supply,
the Red Cross provides relief to victims of disaster, trains millions in lifesaving skills,
serves as a communication link between U.S. military members and their families,
and assists victims of international disasters or conflicts.
Upcoming Blood Donation Opportunities
CASS COUNTY
2/13/2012, 2:00 pm- 7:00 pm, Town Hall, 643 House St, Avoca
OTOE COUNTY
2/9/2012, 9:00 am- 2:00 pm, OPPD Coal Plant, 7264 L Road, Nebraska City
Free Commercial Property
The Village of Union, a municipal corporation located within Cass County, Nebraska, is requesting
solicitations from individuals and corporations to receive free commercial property located within the Village of Union, with such property having a legal description of: South Union Lots 5, 6, 7 & East 4'6 Lot 8, Block 2, in Union, Cass County, Nebraska, with a lot size of 72' x 135'. This property is located on Main Street which is located on Highway 34 and just off the intersection of Highway 75.
To be eligible to receive this free commercial property, the individual or corporation must send a solicitation to the following address postmarked by April 1, 2012: Village of Union, Att: Village Clerk, P.O. Box 127, Union, NE 68455. To receive this free property, the person/entity must agree to do the following:
1. Remove and/or demolish the current structures on the premises or refurbish the current structure, to include the south retaining wall, no later than October 1, 2012.
2. Place a commercial structure on the property no later than September 1, 2013.
The solicitation must, at a minimum, contain the following:
1. The name, address, and phone numbers of the individual or entity submitting the solicitation, to include a description of the individual's/entity's current and past business ventures.
2. A detailed description of person's/entity's plans for such commercial property.
3. A letter of credit from a bank or lending institution that demonstrates the individual's or entity's ability to receive financing to demolish the current site structures and place a commercial structure on the property by September 1, 2013.
The Village Board of Trustees will create a committee to review the solicitations. A decision will then be made by the Village Board of Trustee by May 1, 2012 to choose which solicitations, if any, is in the best interest of the Village.
The Village will provide the individual or entity who is awarded the property the following by June 1, 2012:
1. A general conveyance deed with right of reverter to Village if commercial property is not constructed by September 1, 2013; and
2. Free sewer and water hookup.
Please contact Melissa Hansen, Village Clerk, at 402-263-3865 or villageofunion@yahoo.com">villageofunion@yahoo.com
LOFTE THEATRE ADDS VISITING ARTISTS to SCHEDULE
The Lofte Community Theatre in Manley is proud to announce that it will be hosting two visiting artists in 2012. Back by popular demand, Nebraska native, Joseph Hall will amaze you with his life performance as Elvis Presley. Last year, Mr. Hall's Lofte concert sold out so quickly, that many did not get the opportunity to see him. This year Lofte has two opportunities for you to attend this event. On Saturday, February 18, you can see Elvis at either 2pm or 7pm. All seats are reserved and tickets are $20. Be advised, this event has been selling very well. We strongly suggest that you make your reservations soon.
Another popular touring show is coming to the Lofte on April 21st. "Rave On!" features America's premiere Buddy Holly tribute artist and Nebraska native, Billy McGuigan. In this electrifying show, audiences will experience the thrills of a Buddy Holly concert re-imagined with hits such as "Peggy Sue," "It's So Easy," and "That'll Be the Day."
"Rave On!" has run for sold-out crowds several times in Omaha and we're proud to bring this popular show to Cass County. Showtime is 7pm on Saturday, April 21st. All seats are reserved and cost $28. As of the end of December, there are only 200 tickets left. We strongly suggest that you make your reservations today.
The Lofte Theatre is located just east of the village of Manley. If you have any questions or wish to purchase tickets, please call the box office at (402) 234-2553.
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.
1) You may call your information to 402-235-2926,
Leave a voice mail with your name phone number.
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!
SUBSCRIBE to the MURRAY NEWSLETTER...
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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!
Community Sustaining Sponsors 2012
2012 Community Sustaining Sponsor
2012 Community Sustaining Sponsor
2012 Community Sustaining Sponsor
2012 Community Sustaining Sponsor
2012 Community Sustaining Sponsor
2012 Community Sustaining Sponsor
2012 Community Sustaining Sponsor
2012 Community Sustaining Sponsor
2012 Community Sustaining Sponsor
2012 Community Sustaining Sponsor
2012 Community Sustaining Sponsor
2012 Community Sustaining Sponsor
2012 Community Sustaining Sponsor
2012 Community Sustaining Sponsor
2012 Community Sustaining Sponsor
2012 Community Sustaining Sponsor
2012 Community Sustaining Sponsor
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