Murray Newsletter - February 29, 2012

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Will March come in like a lion or a lamb this year?

BOY SCOUT_LOGO

Boy Scout Troop 471 would like to thank the community for their overwhelming support last week at their Pancake Feed Fundraiser. The Pancake Feed was a huge success!! With the community's help, the boys not only raised money to support their Troop activities, but were able to serve the community as well.

THANK YOU!

COUGAR SPORTS

(Home games in BOLD print.)

COUGAR WRESTLING

JR. HIGH

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

March:

1-3 State Tournament, TBA

BOYS' VARSITY

March:

8-10 @ STATE TOURNAMENT, TBA

TACOS & NACHOS.....OLE!

Come out and enjoy a great meal to support the

MURRAY SOFTBALL & BASEBALL TEAMS.

Sunday, March 4, 2012

2 - 8 p.m.

(These are the correct times to what was previously posted.)

Firehouse Grille

Murray, NE

Proceeds will be used for the improvement of the field and new batting cages at Murray's baseball / softball field.

The meeting minutes of the last Murray Village Board meeting have been posted. Click on the Village Office tab above to read the latest.

Be A Winner!

Annual Basket Auction / Ice Cream Social March 1, 2012

WIN Raffle Items!

The Conestoga Elementary PTO is sponsoring the annual basket auction (silent auction), to be held on Thursday, March 1st during the Ice Cream Social (free ice cream served) at the Conestoga Elementary building cafeteria from 5:30-7:00 p.m.

Musical entertainment will be provided by the 4^th and 5^th grade students!

The following items will be RAFFLED separately for $1 per ticket during the auction. Drawings for each item will be held between 7:00-7:15p.m. Ticketholder MUST BE PRESENT TO WIN:

#1—4 Disney World One-Day Park Hopper Passes ($480 value)

#2—Keurig Select Home Brewing System & Coffee ($150 value)

This year we have TONS of items that have been generously donated from nationally and locally known companies/donors, in addition to OVER 20 awesome classroom baskets! Here is a list of some of our auction items this year:

Angela Stevens Photography $100 Gift Certificate

Canvas On Demand $100 Gift Certificate

2 Storm Chasers Tickets $14 value

4 Kansas City Royals Tickets $68 value

4 Co Co Keys Day Passes $80 value

Stampin It Up Scrapbooking Supplies $300 value

Dogswell pet supplies $30 value

Lied Lodge Breakfast for 2 $37 value

Blue Sushi/Roja Flagship Restaurant $25 Gift Card

Godfather's Pizza $20 Gift Certificate

4 Henry Doorly Zoo Day Passes $54 value

4 Rose Theatre Tickets $64 value

$50 Walmart Gift Card

Print Like Flint Tshirt Basket $75 value

$50 Pamida Gift Card

$50 Target Gift Card

$50 Lizzy's Corner Gift Certificate & $50 Accessories Basket

We look forward to seeing you there!

SENATOR LAMBERT'S NEWS

2012 Senator_Paul_Lambert

February 24, 2012, Lincoln— Senators and standing committees of the legislature were required to designate their priority bills by February 16. There are 49 senator priorities – one for each member of the body. Fourteen legislative committees and the Legislature's Executive Board each gave priority designations to two bills. The Speaker of the Legislature accepts senator requests to prioritize 25 additional proposals. Speaker Mike Flood received 60 requests, from which to make his selection this year. LB 979 to change licensure provisions under the Nebraska Pickle Card Lottery Act is a bill I introduced to solve an issue with our volunteer emergency response units. I am pleased to report that this proposal was selected as a speaker priority.

I chose LB 750 as my personal priority bill, because it offers a solution to a problem that has existed in a part of District 2 for almost four years. As introduced LB 750 would clarify that, for purposes of determining valuation for a farm home site, the acre of land under the home site cannot be compared to land in a residential subdivision. The practice of comparing these two types of land is at the heart of a controversy that has been on-going in Sarpy County since 2009. The disagreement between rural landowners and the Sarpy County assessor began that year, after the assessor raised the value of the home site acre from $10,000 to $64,000. The Sarpy County assessor explains this change as a matter of fairness and updating of valuations in a county that has increasingly urban characteristics. The affected Sarpy County landowners have filed formal protests for the past three years. They sought help from the Sarpy County Board of Equalization, the state's Tax Equalization and Review Commission, the state's Department of Revenue, the Legislature's Revenue Committee and the District 2 legislative office.

Former District 2 Senator Dave Pankonin met with Sarpy County residents and state tax officials on several occasions in an effort to identify a solution to the home site valuation problem. While Senator Pankonin was a member of the Legislature's Revenue Committee, interim study LR 350 was introduced to explore options for fixing the problem in Sarpy County without creating assessment changes for the other counties in Nebraska. When I was appointed to represent District 2 in the legislature, I received a thorough briefing on this issue. I attended the Revenue Committee's public hearing on interim study LR 350, where I met with and heard testimony from concerned Sarpy County constituents. After listening to testimony on LR 350, Revenue Committee Chairman Senator Abbie Cornett concluded that the Sarpy County situation appeared to be an unintended result of a 2008 change in the state's old greenbelt laws. Senator Cornett stated her intention to offer a solution to the problem in the current legislative session.

LB 750 was introduced on the opening day of the 2012 legislative session. I was pleased to add my name to the bill as a co-introducer. The public hearing for LB 750 was held before the Revenue Committee on January 20. I appeared before the Committee to thank the members for their willingness to consider a proposal to stop the assessment problems in Sarpy County. At the hearing Sarpy County landowners testified that they were grateful for the introduction of LB 750, but they noted that the bill might need to be modified in order to produce the desired change in the Sarpy County assessor's valuation practices. The Nebraska Farm Bureau and the Nebraska Association of County Officials have worked with Senator Cornett's office and me to develop amendment language to help Sarpy County without interfering with the work of assessors in the rest of the state.

I look forward to the advancement of LB 750, with amendment language attached, to the floor for debate by the full legislature. District 2 constituents in Sarpy County have waited four years for their problem to be resolved. I believe the introduction of LB 750 and the strength my priority designation gives the bill will provide a successful conclusion to a four-year problem.

I am always interested in hearing your comments by mail, phone or email.

Senator Paul Lambert

State Capitol, PO Box 94604

Lincoln, NE 68509

(402) 471-2613

plambert@leg.ne.gov

red-cross

Support the American Red Cross during Red Cross Month

Across the country, the American Red Cross is reminding communities that March is Red Cross Month, a time to commemorate Red Cross involvement. Every two seconds, someone in the Unites States needs blood. By making an appointment to donate blood this month, you can help the Red Cross meet the needs of patients in your community and across the nation.

Thanks to the generous everyday support of blood and platelet donors, the Red Cross can help ensure every patient has the blood products they need, no matter when or where they are needed.

Red Cross Month was first proclaimed in 1943 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Since that time, every president, including President Barack Obama, has designated March as Red Cross Month. The American Red Cross is synonymous with helping people, and has been doing so for more than 130 years.

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.

Blood Donation Opportunities

CASS COUNTY

3/14/2012, 9:00 am- 2:00 pm, Conestoga High School, PO Box 40, Murray

3/15/2012, 2:30 pm- 7:00 pm, Elmwood-Murdock High School, 300 Wyoming, Murdock

CROCK-POT COOK-OFF!

Conestoga Ambassadors of Europe

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.

Please Contact Heather Larson at heatherdlarson@windstream.net

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!

The CASS COUNTY GOING GREEN recycle trailer will be located on these dates in the following towns:

Now - Feb - 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.)

Tenth Annual

Nebraska American String Teachers Association

Fiddle Tune Composition Contest

This event inspires fiddlers everywhere to compose their own tunes, and supports the cause of string education throughout the great state of Nebraska.

1st PLACE: $100.00

2nd PLACE: $50.00

3rd PLACE: $25.00

Entries must be postmarked by March 31, 2012. The winners will be announced on May 26, 2012, during the Monumental Fiddling Championship held at the Homestead National Monument in Beatrice, Nebraska. The winning compositions will be performed at the Monumental Fiddling Championship & Acoustic Band Contest, and printed in Stringing Along, the journal of the Nebraska Chapter of the American String Teachers Association.

The 2012 Contest Rules and Guidelines:

1. Each submission should be an original composition which must be unpublished and composed after March 31, 2011.

2. Composers may submit more than one tune, but only one prize will be awarded to any one composer.

3. Four copies of the music must be submitted via computer generated sheet music, or hand-written sheet music.

4. The composer should include their name, address, phone number, e-mail address, and the title of the piece.

5. The entry fee of $20.00 should be sent in at the time of submission. Checks should be payable to Nebraska ASTA.

6. If you wish to receive written evaluation of your tune by the judges, include a stamped, self-addressed envelope with your entry.

7. Nebraska ASTA assumes no responsibility for loss or damage to works submitted.

8. Entries must be postmarked by March 31, 2012.

9. Send your entry to Deborah Greenblatt, The Old Schoolhouse, PO Box 671, Avoca, Nebraska,68307-0671. The composer is responsible for keeping a copy of their work, as well as for copyrighting their tune.

10. The composer understands that if their tune is one of the winners, Nebraska ASTA has permission to have the piece performed on May 26, 2012, in Beatrice, Nebraska, as well as permission to reprint the tune in Stringing Along, the newsletter of Nebraska ASTA.

For the 2012 contest rules and guidelines, e-mail debby@greenblattandseay.com.

Greenblatt & Seay Publications, in Avoca, Nebraska is a proud Sponsor of the Nebraska ASTA Fiddle Tune Composition Contest.

For more information about the Nebraska American String Teachers Association, log on to the web site at www.neasta.org.

IRISH MUSIC CONCERT

Greenblatt & Seay's Schoolhouse Performance Series features a concert of Irish music on Sunday, March 11, at 2:30 PM. Greenblatt & Seay & Friends will be singing and playing a variety of instruments, including fiddle, pennywhistle, guitar, hammered dulcimer, and banjo. Traditional Irish tunes will be featured, along with some Greenblatt & Seay originals inspired by the great Irish traditions.

Greenblatt & Seay have been playing and singing together since the night they met, decades ago. Their performance on March 11 will include the championship fiddling styles of Deborah Greenblatt, and the fancy whistle-playing of David Seay.

The concert will be followed by light refreshments, and a chance to chat and even jam with the performers. Avoca is in southern Cass County, Nebraska, on the 13 C Spur, one mile south of Highway 34. Admission is $10.00 for adults, $5.00 for students & seniors, and $1.00 for children. For more information, call 402-275-3221, log on to www.greenblattandseay.com, or e-mail debby@greenblattandseay.com

****************

"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.

On Friday, we will be mostly jamming, modulating, singing, dancing, experimenting, sharing, and playing fiddle-related instruments.

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 any questions.

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:

http://www.cassne.org/Election/ElectionPDFs/Voter_Registration.pdf)

The Election Office, now located at 201 Main Street, is now accepting Early

Voting Applications for the upcoming Primary Election. These can be obtained

in

a number of ways.

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:

http://www.cassne.org/Election/Forms/Early-Voting-Application-2012.pdf)

There is also a filing deadline that will be here before we know it!

Non-Incumbent FIling Deadline

March 1, 2012

To see a FULL listing of up to date candidate filings, visit the Cass County Election webpage.

(CLICK HERE) Here is the link incase it doesn't load: http://www.cassne.org/Election/Election_Updates_pdf/Candidate_Filing.pdf)

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

LOFTE THEATRE

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."

RaveOn

"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!