Made possible in part by Community Sustaining Sponsor

Save the Date!

Conestoga Elementary's Annual Spring Carnival

will be held on

Friday, April 13th,

5:30-8:30 pm

in the school's gym, cafeteria and stage.

It is always a FUN night to get together and catch up, participate in a cake walk to win one of our many home-made cakes, for kids to tear through the two bounce houses, play carnival games, win PRIZES and eat cotton candy!

By purchasing discounted tickets early with our pre-sale event coming up or simply purchasing the night of the carnival you can enjoy all of this AND have a carnival type dinner as well (bbq sandwiches, hot dogs, super nachos, chips, drinks). A request for volunteers and a list of specific food donations needed is being sent home in the kids' backpacks.

Our high school's FFA organization, elementary teachers and staff as well as some businesses have already promised their time and resources to help us with the event but we could use more help and, of course, your attendence at the event!

conestoga cougar_picnik

CONESTOGA SPRING SPORTS

Go to the Conestoga Schools link below to get the schedule for the track meets and soccer games.

http://www.conestogacougars.org/pages/Conestoga_Public_Schools

The Murray Village Board meeting minutes are now posted.

Click on the Village Office tab above to read the latest.

Murray Garage Sales

are being planned for

Friday and Saturday,

June 8 and 9, 2012.

More details, such as cost of the ads,

to follow later.

MURRAY-BEAVER LAKE EASTER EGG HUNT!

Saturday, March 31st, 2012

10:00 a.m. (sharp)

At Tyson Park

Ages 10 and Under

Sponsored by Murray, Beaver Lake Lions and Beaver Lake Ladies Auxiliary

"OUTDOOR CLASSROOM"

COMMUNITY PROJECT

Every few years, the Conestoga Elementary PTO focuses on a major project. Our PTO was enlightened by research revealing the necessity of contact with nature for a healthy child. We learned that time in nature inspires creativity, reduces stress, improves test scores, health concentration, behavior, reduces obesity, depression, attention deficit disorder while promoting humility and connection. With the help of students, parents, staff and the community, our PTO has been raising and saving money for the past two years towards this community project. We are now ready to break ground and are looking to the community to help fulfill our vision. The following is a list of needed resources and volunteers:

help to remove broken concrete from the school/do you have a place we can put this concrete (not much)

pick-ups and drivers to haul and unload dirt, mulch and sand

donations of cut or fallen hardwood trees (oak, walnut, ash and hackberry preferred) 2' - 4' in diameter. These trees will be used to line the entrance as well as provide natural seating, stepping stones and enclose areas.

help to plant trees, shrubs and flowers

donations of used tractor tires for a "hill of tires" planted in sand

brick pavers or cobblestone to be used as the floor to the entrance of the classroom

boulders - we will be building a bridge over a currently hazardous drainage area and would like to install boulders around it for kids to climb

construction experience or willingness to help build a stage area and bridge

framer - we are looking for a framer to help put up the facade of a school which will provide the backdrop to our stage. We envision this to be wrapped in siding, so will also need siding installation experience.

concrete - we will be seeking bids for concrete to connect the areas within the classroom. We are interested in part of this path being stamped with animal footprints

Do you need help envisioning such a classroom? Please visit the following site to view an outdoor classroom in South Omaha: http://www.ops.org/elementary/gomezheritage/OutdoorClassroom/tabid/250/Default.aspx

If you have any of these items on your property and would be willing to donate them or if you are interested in donating your time and talent, we can make our dream come true! If you would like to see the professional drawings of this classroom or to get involved, please contact Allison Welch at 402-235-2539 or email me at allisonwelch@windstream.net

EVER WONDER

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The CASS COUNTY GOING GREEN

recycle trailer will be located on these dates in the following towns:

Now - March 30, Nehawka

Now - March 30, Murray

April 1 - 6 Beaver Lake

7 - 13 Union

14 - 20 Murray

14 - 21 Nehawka

21 - 27 Beaver Lake

28 - 30 Union

(Murray will also continue to have the recycle bin located behind Town Hall every day for Murray residents' use only.)

SENATOR LAMBERT

SERVE YOU!

2012 Senator_Paul_Lambert

The Legislature's Child Welfare Reform Plan

March 23, 2012, Lincoln— The legislature is in the heart of its calendar now and has been working late nights this week with debate on the budget. The child welfare reform bills have also been moving through the legislative process. LB 821 would establish the Nebraska Children's Commission and the Office of Inspector General of Nebraska Child Welfare in the Legislature's Office of the Public Counsel. The Commission would create a statewide strategic plan for reform, and lead collaborative reform efforts among public and private stakeholders, and the state's five service areas. The Inspector General of Nebraska Child Welfare would conduct investigations, audits, inspections and other reviews of the child welfare system.

LB 1160 would require the Legislature's Health and Human Services (HHS) Committee to report to the governor, the legislature and the chief justice of the Nebraska Supreme Court in 2012, 2013 and 2014 on progress made by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) toward recommendations

outlined in the HHS Committee's 2011 interim study LR 37. (This study reviewed the effects of privatization on the child welfare system.) The bill would also require DHHS to report to the legislature by December of this year regarding a web-based statewide automated child welfare information system designed to house all child welfare data in one place.

The Legislature's Performance Audit Committee introduced LB 949. The bill would establish the child welfare system as a separate budget category and require DHHS to create performance measures and time frames for meeting them. LB 949 would require DHHS to include a strategic plan in its budget requests and provide

quarterly updates to the legislature about transfers of more than $250,000 among child welfare programs.

LB 820 would improve stability for children in the foster care system and allow DHHS to fund a variety of community-based services for children and their families. Title IV-E is the federal government's program for adoption assistance and foster care. LB 820 would require DHHS to apply for a federal waiver for a foster care demonstration project. The waiver would provide flexibility in the use of Title IV-E funds to reduce the

number of Nebraska children in out-of-home foster care. The bill would require that DHHS apply for the waiver before the end of 2012. LB 820 would also create a group of child welfare stakeholders to advise DHHS on the application. The Department would be required to create a Foster Care Reimbursement Committee to develop a statewide standard rate structure for children in foster care. The legislature believes the state must provide foster parents with adequate compensation for ensuring the safety and well-being of the vulnerable children in their care.

As amended LB 961 would require an annual reduction of twenty-five percent in the average caseload of each case manager beginning in September 2012, and in the same month every year until Nebraska caseloads conform to national standards. LB 961 would also prohibit DHHS from extending past July 1, 2014 the lead agency contracts in existence when LB 961 becomes law and prevent DHHS from issuing any new lead agency contracts in Nebraska.

LBs 821, 1160, 949, 820 and 961 all include emergency clauses and would become law when signed by the governor.

Omaha Senator Bob Krist introduced LB 998 to replace the current Foster Care Review Board with the Foster Care Review Office. The board was created in 1982 as an independent agency to provide oversight to the state's foster care system. Possible conflicts of interest among board members have recently called into question the credibility of child welfare data that have been provided to the legislature. Under LB 998, as amended, the new office would be created, most of the staff of the current board would transfer to the new office, and a new Foster Care Advisory Committee would appoint the new executive director, review management and employee issues of the office, and assist the director in resolving issues in the foster care system. LB 998 would reestablish independent oversight of the foster care system. The new office would, once again, provide unbiased information to the legislature, the courts and to DHHS. The operative date for this bill would be January 1, 2013 to allow time to establish the new office and advisory committee.

These proposals represent a strong beginning for child welfare reform. Monitoring progress and strengthening the legislature's efforts will continue next year. I look forward to the work that lies ahead on these important policy issues.

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

Lofte 2-1

AUDITION NOTICE - LOFTE COMMUNITY THEATRE

The Lofte Community Theatre in Manley will be holding auditions on Monday,

April 9 and Tuesday, April 10 at 7pm for their 2012 season opener,

"The Sunshine Boys."

The play is the story of two old entertainers, Al and Willie. In the days of vaudeville, they

were the top-billed comedy team, "Lewis and Clark." Now they aren't even speaking.

When CBS requests them for a "History of Comedy" retrospective, a grudging reunion

brings the two back together along with a flood of memories, miseries and laughs.

George Burns won his only Academy Award in the film version of this Neil Simon play.

The two primary roles called for men approximate ages 65-80. Other roles in the play

include 4 men and 2 women ages 18-60. A complete description of the roles and the

script can be found on the Lofte website, www.Lofte.com.

The audition will consist of cold readings from the script. Rehearsals will begin in

mid-April. The show runs May 26, 27, June 1-3 and 7-10. Please bring a list of schedule

conflicts to the audition.

Those who have questions may contact Artistic Director Kevin Colbert at 402-234-2553.

Mahoney park_Kountze_Theater

KBC Productions' Spring Production of

"THE KITCHEN WITCHES"

at Mahoney State Park's Kountze Theater

Isobel and Dolly are two middle-aged cable TV cooking show hostesses

who have hated each other for years. When circumstances put them together

on the same TV show, the insults are flung harder than the food!

Starring in the production as the two feisty food flingers are Shari Hoelker

of Omaha and Melinda Mead of Plattsmouth. Cory Misek of Lincoln plays

Dolly's long-suffering son. Marikita Saure of Lincoln is also in the show.

The play is directed by Kevin Colbert.

Show dates for the production are March 30, 31, April 1, 7,

13-15, 20 and 22.

Curtain time is 7:30pm on Fridays and Saturdays. Sunday performances

are 2pm matinees.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for children.

Please call (402)944-2523 ext 7122 for reservations.

KBC productions also noted that the "Mahoney Grill" is now open. The park's

restaurant is under new management with a new menu. Those that attend the

shows will now have the opportunity to try the new fare before or after the play.

Pictured: Shari Hoelker and Melinda Mead.

2012-03 _MAHONEY_THEATER_KITCHEN_WITCHES

COMMUNITY LENTEN PASTA

DINNERS

HOSANNA LUTHERAN CHURCH

March 30^th:Lasagna

Meal to include: Pasta (meat or meatless), garlic toast, salad, relish tray, dessert, drinks

Carry out containers available

5:00 to 7:00 pm

$6.00 per person

5 yrs and under Free

700 South 18^th Street

Plattsmouth, NE

Across from Plattsmouth Middle School

2012-03-01 Platts._Library_Game_Night

ART CHICKS_specialparty

2012 EVENTS at ART CHICKS

March 30 & 31, Free Craft Make & Take, Easter Bonnet Parade 31st

April 14, Purse Swap

April 27 & 28 - Friday Saturday, Spring Flea Market

May 11 & 12, Special Day Out for Moms with free make and take art project

May 26, Teacher Appreciation Luncheon

June 23, Cocktails in the Garden with Plant & Garden Junk Sale, Plant Swap

July 29, Sunday, 9 to 4: Flea Market and Old Fashioned Dessert Festival/Car show

September 24, Saturday, Chocolate Festival - Chocolate themed meal and treats at all the shops

October, All Month Long - Shopping bonanza! Punch card, visit all the local participating stores and enter to win a drawing for shopping spree worth over $300.00.

October 29, Saturday, Witches Brew Party -11:00 and 1:00 is our grand celebration of everything Halloween! Two blocks full of music, dancing, broom ceremonies, fortune telling and much more. Free gift to those who dress up. Saturday 2:30 Little Witches in Training Party Bring your little ones to a special 2:30 seating to celebrate Halloween and all its glory. Come in costume and learn about Halloween traditions, make believe fun and dancing.

November 12, Holiday Open House & Art Chicks Lunchorama Stop in and see all the new Holiday decor and Gifts in over 5 shops. Husker items, jewelry, purses, kitchen goods, baby and kids too. Reserve your table for 2 or 52 and enjoy a show of the latest jewelry for the season from several designers and handmade gifts from local artisans.

December 3, Ringing in the Season All of Louisville will be bustling with the sounds and activities of the season. Kids Shopping with children’s luncheon at 2:30 Bring your little one and they can shop and wrap presents for Christmas surprises for everyone on their list.

December Holiday Camp, Ladies, time to learn some new tricks to make your holiday prep easier. Spend time in Camp gaining the skills to “do it all” or at least laugh so much the stress disappears.

Visit coopandfeathers.blogspot.com and louisvilleartchicks.com for more details.

Art Chicks 402-234-2669

Violin-Fiddle

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.

For the 2012 contest rules and guidelines, email debby@greenblattandseay.com.

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

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

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.

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

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

***

The Schoolhouse Performance Serieswill feature multi-instrumentalists Greenblatt & Seay performing
"Train Songs"
on Sunday, April 8, at 2:30 PM, downstairs in The Old Avoca Schoolhouse, in Avoca, Nebraska.

This upbeat excursion includes stories, guitar, banjo, fiddle, harmonica, and sing-alongs with a variety of popular train inspired songs. 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.

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.

2012-02 Aaron_Keene_Benefit

freepropertyinUnionNE

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 2-1

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...

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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):

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