What's New

 

 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

"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:

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

 Cass County Safe Kids Bike Rodeo and Safety Event

 EVER WONDER 

HOW to SUBMIT ARTICLES for this NEWSLETTER?  

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The CASS COUNTY GOING GREEN  

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

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

SENATOR LAMBERT

to

SERVE YOU! 

Efficient Management of the Legislative Process 

March 30, 2012, Lincoln— The legislature uses special strategies to move some bills through the legislative process. Priority designations increase the chance that bills of particular importance to senators, committees and the speaker will be debated. "Christmas Tree" bills include other bills of like-subject matter, merged into a single proposal to move through floor debate simultaneously. I had an opportunity recently to use another procedure, known as Consent Calendar, to manage bills I introduced this year.

Bills advanced by a legislative committee with no dissenting votes are eligible for the Consent Calendar. The Calendar and the bills it contains are announced at least twenty-four hours before debate is scheduled. A bill on Consent Calendar is assigned fifteen minutes for introduction and debate. When debate ends or time expires, a vote is taken. A bill can be removed from the Calendar by a written request of at least three senators before debate begins or during its fifteen-minute time allotment. This year the Calendar included three bills that I introduced.

LB 1005, one of my personal bills that effects emergency responders in our legislative district, would amend the Volunteer Emergency Responders Job Protection Act, to include members of state emergency response teams. The bill would also prevent an employer from taking disciplinary action against an employee, when he or she is serving as a state volunteer emergency responder. At the recommendation of the Business and Labor Committee, LB 1005 was placed on and advanced from the Consent Calendar.

The Urban Affairs Committee's Consent Calendar recommendations included my bill LB 1121 – that I introduced on behalf of constituents in Cass County – to clarify that the rights of a particular category of SID property owners are the same when they sign petitions to recall a member of the board of trustees as they are when they vote to elect the trustee. This bill was also advanced from the Consent Calendar.

LB 948 was brought to me by elected officials in our district. It would add "electronic communication device" as an additional way in which a person could commit the offense of intimidation with intent to terrify, intimidate, threaten, harass, annoy or offend. The Judiciary Committee asked that LB 948 be placed on the Consent Calendar, and it was. Some questions about the bill were brought to me before debate began. The counsel for the Judiciary Committee and I decided to remove the bill from consideration this year, address the questions during the interim and introduce the issue again in 2013.

Fifty-three bills by other senators were also scheduled on the Consent Calendar. LB 898 by Valentine Senator Deb Fischer would increase the allowed engine size in the definition of a mini truck. Current law allows rotor displacement of 1000 cubic centimeters or less. LB 898 would increase the size to 1500 cubic centimeters or less.

An honor and remember flag is one that commemorates and honors members of the U.S. Armed Services, who lost their lives in the line of duty. District 3 Senator Scott Price offered LB 999 to allow an honor and remember flag to be displayed on or near the State Capitol, Governor's Mansion or any courthouse, city hall or school building at the request of a veterans' organization, or any other group or person.

LB 1077 would provide that, when there is no national vaccine shortage, acute care hospitals, intermediate care facilities and nursing facilities would, between October 1 and April 1, offer on-site influenza and pneumonia vaccinations to all residents and all inpatients prior to discharge.

The Judiciary Committee recommended LB 805 for Consent Calendar. This bill would preserve the privacy and identity of individuals who apply for a license to sell fireworks in Nebraska, by eliminating the requirement to list the individual's social security number on the license application.

In 2009 physician assistants were authorized to sign death certificates. Lincoln Senator Kathy Campbell's LB 1042 would authorize nurse practitioner to sign death certificates, as well. Nurse practitioners are also primary care providers, but current law does not allow a nurse practitioner to sign the death certificate for a person who has been in their care. The law requires the certificate to be signed by a physician or physician's assistant within 24 hours of the death. If neither is available, the county attorney must be notified. This can make a difficult time for a family even more stressful. LB 1042 would make this process easier and less stressful for the family of the deceased.

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

Business Growth in Nebraska TrailManor Manufacturing Company, LLC, will renovate the former Leprino building in Hartington to begin a production process including the design, manufacture, assembly and laminate of light weight recreational travel trailers, creating 20 full-time jobs. Sergeant’s Pet Care Products, Inc., is in the process of acquiring a building and approximately 9.73 acres of land in Sarpy County’s Hilltop Industrial Park, investing more than $7 million to establish its new manufacturing facility. The company has manufactured pet products since 1868 and is a full-service national producer of pet products. Economic Development Incentive Bills Become Law LB1043 and LB1118 were signed into law on March 7, and are pivotal to attracting and expanding businesses in Nebraska. LB1043 allows public power districts in the state to negotiate electric rates for large power users that are below the standard retail rate but would remove a requirement that rates would rise at the same rate as retail rates. The law applies to economic development projects with new or additional electrical load requirements greater than 500 kilowatts and a minimum annual load demand factor of 60 percent during the applicable billing period. LB1118 expands Tier 2 of the Nebraska Advantage Act to provide sales, property and personal property tax benefits to data centers investing at least $200 million and creating at least 30 new jobs in Nebraska. Rankings Recognition Tax Foundation Ranks Nebraska No. 1 The Tax Foundation released its latest study of bottom-line tax liability for businesses in each of the 50 states titled “Location Matters: A Comparative Analysis of State Tax Costs on Business”. The study found that Nebraska was No. 1 overall for newly established operations, and for both new corporate headquarters and new call centers. Nebraska also ranked No. 2 for mature R&D operations, with a total tax burden nearly 50 percent less than the national average, and for both new capital-intensive and new labor-intensive manufacturing.    Nebraska again topped several other rankings: Top 5 for Accountability and Transparency (Best Corruption Fighters), Center for Public Integrity, Global Integrity and Public Radio International 5th America’s Healthiest Housing Market, The Lending Tree Healthiest Housing Index 6th Best State for Economic Competitiveness, Beacon Hill Institute’s State Competitiveness Report 8th in America’s Highest Well-being/Happiest States, Gallup-Healthways Well-being Index 2011 5th in Top 10 Cities to Raise a Family – Lincoln, 24/7 Wall St. 8th in Top 10 Cities to Raise a Family – Omaha, 24/7 Wall St. Nebraska Manufacturers Recognized by White House Four Nebraska businesses were recognized at a White House and U.S. Department of Agriculture event for manufacturing success in rural America.  Allmand Brothers, Inc. manufactures a wide variety of portable light towers, job site heaters, compact tractor loader backhoes, Port-A-LiteTM light stands and solar arrow boards. Allmand hired 98 new employees for a total of 218 jobs with the restructuring of its financial plan. Automatic Equipment Manufacturing Co. produces products primarily for the recreational vehicle industry under the name of Blue Ox, which became its trade name in 1990. Automatic retained 110 jobs with the restructuring of its financial plan. MetalQuest Unlimited Inc. manufactures precision parts with a reputation at the top of its industry. The loan will allow for building construction and working capital for a business expansion that will retain 54 jobs and grow 12 jobs. MetalQuest is a member of the Nebraska Manufacturing Advisory Council. Thurston Manufacturing Company manufactures and sells farm equipment such as fertilizer applicators, tillage and track systems under the trade name of BLU-JET. In 1999 the Company purchased Circle R and began manufacturing and selling side dump semi-trailers. Thurston restructured its financial plan, and is currently in the construction phase of its 43,000 square foot expansion, retaining 77 jobs and creating 12 jobs.  Hastings Company Awarded U.S. Chamber Small Business Honor Bruckman Rubber Co. of Hastings was among 75 companies across the country awarded the Blue Ribbon Small Business Award by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The company was recognized for its dedication to the principles of free enterprise and its contributions to restoring jobs and prosperity. The Blue Ribbon Award winners will be honored at America's Small Business Summit, May 21-23, in Washington, D.C. www.uschambersummit.com. Bruckman Rubber is a member of the Nebraska Manufacturing Advisory Council. Gov. Heineman Announces Trade Mission to China Gov. Dave Heineman announced that he will lead a delegation of Nebraskans on a trade mission to China, with Catherine Lang, Director of DED, July 28 – August 3, 2012, including stops in Beijing, Xi’an and Shanghai, China. Joining Gov. Heineman on this trade mission will be approximately 35 business and industry leaders interested in developing or expanding business opportunities in China, economic development professionals from Nebraska communities and University of Nebraska representatives. This trade mission is funded in part by a State Trade and Export Program (STEP) grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration. For information, contact Joe Chapuran at 402-658-1138 or joe.chapuran@nebraska.gov. 2012 Nebraska Passport Sites Selected This year the Nebraska Passport program has expanded to 80 stops organized into 10 special interest tours: culinary, culture, family fun, festivals, golf, GROW Nebraska, parks, unique accommodations, water adventure and wineries. The program, created by DED's Travel and Tourism Division, encourages travelers to explore Nebraska and take home great prizes. Tourists who travel to the featured locations receive a stamp at each stop. If visitors complete an interest tour, they get a Passport T-shirt. If visitors collect 25 stamps, they get a $25 GROW Nebraska gift card; and if they get 40 stamps, they receive a Canon Powershot digital camera. A grand-prize drawing for an Apple iPad will be held in October. For a full list of the 2012 Passport Tours and stops, visit www.NebraskaPassport.com. Nebraska Travel Guide Goes Digital The 2012 Nebraska Travel Guide is now available in a fully interactive digital format. Those who prefer to research travel destinations or make plans electronically, can easily access the travel guide on their tablets. The digital edition is available free through Zinio, and travelers can access the guide through Zinio on PC/Mac, iPad, iPod touch, Android and WebOS. View the digital guide at VisitNebraska.gov/zinio or via zinio.com/NebraskaTravel. New Economic Development Initiatives Attracting Great Interest The year’s off to a good start with businesses filing applications for the new Talent & Innovation Initiative (TI2), passed by the Legislature last May, and other new economic development initiatives, administered through DED. The four-part TI2 includes the InternNE program, Business Innovation Act, Site and Building Development Fund, and the Angel Investment Tax Credit. InternNE is a partnership with Nebraska businesses to create new, quality paid internships for college and university students. To date, 169 applications have been received with 130 companies approved (38 percent from rural Nebraska) adding 381 new intern positions. The Business Innovation Act (BIA) helps businesses develop new technologies and leverage innovation to enhance quality job opportunities in Nebraska. Included within the BIA: The Nebraska Innovation Fund-Prototyping (pre-seed stage) provides grants up to $50,000 per project for creating a prototype of a product stemming from research and development at a business operating in Nebraska, or research at an in-state public or private college or university. So far 27 applications have been received and 12 were approved. The Nebraska Innovation Fund-Commercialization goes one step further with seed stage investments being awarded $500,000 per project for commercialization of a prototype or process from a business or individual operating here in the state. Two applications have been received. The Nebraska Small Business Innovation Research (“SBIR”) Initiative establishes a financial assistance program to individuals and businesses with a principal place of business in Nebraska to support applications to the Federal SBIR Program (Phase 0) and the matching of successful applications (Phase 1 and 2) by the state of Nebraska. Currently, three businesses have applied for Phase 0 and two were approved. Phase 1’s two applicants have been approved, and three applicants were approved for Phase 2. The Microenterprise Technical Assistance Fund provides financial packaging assistance, including resource identification and determining the programs of best fit, to grow microenterprise businesses located in Nebraska. One application has been received and approved. The Microenterprise Lending Program (Micro-lending) encourages and supports the transfer of Nebraska-based technology and innovation in rural and urban areas of Nebraska in order to create high-growth, high technology businesses and to enhance creation of wealth and quality jobs. Three applications have been received. The two-phase Research & Development Fund has received two applications under Phase 1, with one approved. No applications have yet been received for Phase 2 for the $2 million available. The Site and Building Development Fund aims to increase industrial sites and buildings available for business attraction and expansion. The Angel Investment Tax Credit encourages investment in high-tech startup Nebraska enterprises providing 35-40 percent refundable state income tax credits to qualified Nebraska investors. To date in 2012, $1.477 million in credits have been requested with $927,166 approved. Other new economic development initiatives updates: The Small Business Innovation Economic Gardening Program has received 13 applications and approved four. Gallup’s Entrepreneurial Acceleration System is a mentorship program that strengthens existing, new and future small Nebraska business owners by matching them with trained and certified mentor guides. For 2012, 46 guides are certified and will assist 160 companies and 746 managers, which will impact 4,939 employees in Nebraska. The State Small Business Credit Initiative includes the Nebraska Progress Loan Fund and Invest Nebraska Angel Sidecar Fund. To date, the Nebraska Progress Loan Fund, which provides loans to qualifying small businesses, has received seven applications. The Invest Nebraska Angel Sidecar Fund, providing early investment capital matching private angel fund investment in start-up businesses developing, modifying or employing new technology, has received no applications at this time. For additional information, visit www.neded.org/business/talent-a-innovation-initiative. Governor’s Conference on Rural Development April 18 The Governor’s Conference on Rural Development, “Partnering for Progress”, is scheduled for April 18 at the Holiday Inn Express in North Platte. Keynote speaker is April Kelly. Conference tracks are Strengthening Communities, Volunteerism and Community Engagement and Youth Entrepreneurship. The conference is a joint effort of DED, the Nebraska Rural Development Commission and Serve Nebraska Commission. Register online at http://tinyurl.com/RuralDevConf.  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.

 HUGE PLANT SALE

LOUISVILLE, NE VOLUNTEER FIREMEN'S AUXILLIARY 

Saturday April 28th 9am - 2pm 

Pre-order for best selection

visit www.janetsjungle.com

 by April 13th. 

Public welcome/Order Pick up 

Please help support our department

by participating in our

presales for our annual plant sale. 

For more information visit:

janetsjungle.com

 Celebrate National Volunteer Week by Donating Blood 

This National Volunteer Week, April 15-21, the American Red Cross encourages eligible blood donors to make an appointment to donate and help save lives. Approximately every two seconds a patient in the United States needs a blood transfusion. Thanks to volunteer blood donors, the Red Cross is able to provide needed blood products to local hospitals and more than 3,000 hospitals and transfusion centers around the country.

With blood products currently being delivered to hospitals as quickly as they are coming in, the Red Cross needs donors to roll up a sleeve to ensure blood is there for patients whenever and wherever it is needed.

In the hour it takes to donate blood, donors can help save the lives of more than one patient. Only 3 percent of the U.S. population currently donates blood. Become a Red Cross volunteer donor and join a family of blood donors across the nation in a lifesaving cause.

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

4/19/2012, 1:00 pm- 7:00 pm, City Building, 101 W Eldora Ave, Weeping Water 

OTOE COUNTY

4/30/2012, 11:00 am- 5:00 pm, Walmart, 2101 S. 11th Street, Nebraska City 

Apr 20–22 KT Sullivan &  Mark Nadler in  Gershwin – Here to Stay 2012 Concert Series, Brownville May 5–Oct 7 Living History Weekends at Fort Atkinson State Historical Park Fort Calhoun May 6 Lincoln Marathon Lincoln May 5 Catfish Classic  Fishing Tournament Lake McConaughy, Ogallala May 5–6 Becoming an Outdoor Chef at Ponca State Park Ponca May 5– Oct 13 Omaha Farmers’ Market Saturdays in the Old Market May 11–12 Honky Tonk BBQ Festival North Platte May 11–13 Nebraska Renaissance Faire Papillion Harlan County Lake  Fish to your heart’s content while taking a much-needed outdoor respite at one of Nebraska’s largest reservoirs.  Republican City TK Drive-In  Pile the kids into the car and head out for an entertainment-filled evening at one of the few drive-in theatres still in operation.  Neligh Loves Jazz & Arts Center A tribute to artistic works by African Americans from Omaha and around the world, the center is also home to the Preston Love gallery.  Omaha Oregon Trail Wagon Train Embark on an authentic pioneer trek aboard a covered wagon. Journeys range from a three-hour jaunt to a 24-hour excursion. Bayard World’s Largest Porch Swing With room for 18 adults or 24 children, this one-of-a-kind attraction provides a memorable spot for a photo with family and friends.  Hebron Lee G. Simmons Conservation Park  and Wildlife Safari View native wildlife from your car window. The four-mile auto  circuit winds through beautiful prairies, wetlands and gardens  that are home to bison, elk, wolves and more.  Ashland

AUDITION NOTICE -

LOFTE COMMUNITY THEATRE 

"The Sunshine Boys."   

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

 KBC Productions' Spring Production of 

"THE KITCHEN WITCHES" 

at Mahoney State Park's Kountze Theater  

Show dates for the production are  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. 

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. 

 RAVE ON! 

at the

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." 

"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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Community Sustaining Sponsors 2012

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