Murray Newsletter - September 2, 2026
The next meeting of the Murray Freedom Festival will take place at Murray Town Hall, 7 pm, on Thursday, September 3, 2026. Meetings are on the first Thursdays of each month, same place and time, except for July.
Please come, bring your ideas and comments on our annual 4th of July celebration, so that we can try to make it even more fun each year! The public is welcome to attend!
Nebraska’s 2026 Book Award Winners Announced
Celebrate Nebraska’s 2026 Book Award winners with author readings and an awards presentation ceremony at the Nebraska Celebration of Book’s (NCOB) literary festival.
Held at the UNL City Campus Union on November 14th, winners of the 2026 Nebraska Book Awards will be honored at the celebration which will include author roundtables during the festival and an awards ceremony. The ceremony will feature readings by some of the winning authors, designers, and illustrators of books with a Nebraska connection published in 2025. And the winners are:
Children’s Award: The Legend of Donnie Bats: Greatness Lives in Every Kid by Jeff Kurrus Publisher: Jeff Kurrus.
Young Adult Award: K-Jane by Lydia Kang. Publisher: Quill Tree Books.
Illustration Award: One Little Squiggle by Jodi Adams, illustrated by Polina Gortman. Publisher: Young At Heart Publishing.
Illustration Honor: The Tractor Squad Saves the Day by Heather Dawn Torres, illustrated by Gary Laib. Publisher: Marble Press.
Design & Cover Award: Ak-Sar-Ben: Looking Back & Leading Onward, written by Angie Hempel, edited by Kristine Gerber, designed by Jared Cloudt. Publisher: The Durham Museum.
Design Honor: The Jewel of Midtown: Field Club of Omaha by Stu Pospisil, edited by Chris Christen, Designed by Christine Zueck-Watkins. Publisher: Field Club of Omaha.
Cover Honor: Human Nature: Poetry by Julie S. Paschold. Publisher: WSC Press.
Fiction Award: The Butcher and the Liar: A Novel by S.L. Woeppel. Publisher: Books Fluent.
Nonfiction Essay Award: At the Corner of Past and Future: A Collection of Life Stories by Pamela Carter Joern. Publisher: Bison Books.
Nonfiction History Award: An American Corner of the World by David J. Wishart. Publisher: Nebraska State Historical Society.
Nonfiction History Honor Ak-Sar-Ben: Looking Back & Leading Onward, written by Angie Hempel, edited by Kristine Gerber, designed by Jared Cloudt. Publisher: The Durham Museum.
Nonfiction Nebraska as Place Award: The Best of Intentions: A story of landscape Change in the Heart of the Great Plains by Larkin Powell. Publisher: University of Nebraska - Lincoln.
Nonfiction Reconciliation Award: Roots of Justice: A History of Race and Racism in Nebraska by Kevin Abourezk. Publisher: University of Nebraska - Lincoln.
Poetry: Eternal Life and other poems by Gene Fendt. Publisher: Angelico Press.
Poetry Honor: The Last Yellow Rose: Poems by Lin Marshall Brummels. Publisher: Lewis-Clark Press / Sandhills Press.
This year's Book Awards winners will be honored at the Nebraska Celebration of Books, which aims to celebrate Nebraska’s literary heritage and contemporary authors. Held, Saturday, November 14th, from 10:00am-4:30pm, on the second floor of the UNL City Campus Union and Jackie Gaughn Multicultural Center. The event will feature 2026 One Book One Nebraska author Karen Russell, author panels and signings, book vendors, publishers, and presentation of the Nebraska Book Awards, Mildred Bennett Award and Jane Geske Award, and 2027 One Book One Nebraska announcement.
The 2026 One Book One Nebraska selection, The Antidote: A Novel by Karen Russell (Revell, 2023) will be featured with an author talk by Karen Russell.
The Nebraska Book Awards are sponsored and facilitated by the Nebraska Center for the Book and the Nebraska Library Commission.
The Nebraska Celebration of Books (NCOB) sponsors include Nebraska Center for the Book, Nebraska Library Commission, University of Nebraska Press, Omaha Public Libraries, Lincoln City Libraries, Francie and Finch Bookshop, and Flatwater Free Press. Humanities Nebraska provides support for One Book One Nebraska program.
The Nebraska Center for the Book is housed at the Nebraska Library Commission and brings together the state’s readers, writers, booksellers, librarians, publishers, printers, educators, and scholars to build the community of the book, supporting programs to celebrate and stimulate public interest in books, reading, and the written word. The Nebraska Center for the Book is supported by the national Center for the Book in the Library of Congress and the Nebraska Library Commission.
As the state library agency, the Nebraska Library Commission is an advocate for the library and information needs of all Nebraskans. The mission of the Library Commission is statewide promotion, development, and coordination of library and information services, “bringing together people and information.”
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The most up-to-date news releases from the Nebraska Library Commission are always available on the Library Commission website, http://nlc.nebraska.gov/publications/newsreleases.
WOULD YOU HELP FILL a CHILD'S TUMMY?
The Conestoga Elementary School Backpack Program continues to furnish food and hygiene supplies to local families in need. The program serves the Murray, Nehawka, Union and Beaver Lake children. At this time, monetary donations are not accepted, however you can still help.
By picking up a few of these nonperishable items on your next shopping trip, and donating them to the school, you'll be helping a small child in a big way. Keep in mind that some of the children are very young and are possibly 'preparing' their own meals, so ready-to-eat, easy-to-open containers are a good option for lunch boxes and little hands.
Granola/protein bars
Fruit snacks
Canned meat (chicken, tuna)
Single-serve tuna/chicken salad w/crackers
Peanut butter
Jelly
Single-serve cereals
Single-serve fruit cups/raisins
Also needed are hygienic supplies, toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, cotton swabs and tissues..
You may drop off your items at Conestoga Elementary School,, 104 E. High Street, Murray, NE.
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At Conestoga Jr.-Sr. High School, we have Cougar Corner, where students in need can find food and snack items, (good for sports' practices and training), along with hygiene items, tampons, pantyliners, deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, cotton swabs, tissues, as well.
Canned soups
Ramen noodles
Granola/protein bars
Fruit snacks
Dry pasta
Spaghetti sauce and/or mixes
Canned meat (chicken, tuna)
Single-serve tuna/chicken salad w/crackers
Boxed, prepared meal kits (Hamburger Helper, Rice-a-Roni)
Peanut butter
Jelly
Canned vegetables
Single-serve cereals
Single-serve fruit cups/raisins
You may drop off these items at Conestoga Jr-Sr High School, 8404 42nd Street, Murray, NE.
Your help is greatly appreciated.
Thank you!
Hope & Healing Program
Removing Financial Barriers to Mental Health Care
Be the Light, Hope & Healing is a financial assistance program designed to ensure individuals and families can access professional mental health therapy — regardless of insurance status or ability to pay.
Who We Are:
Be the Light, Hope & Healing is a program operated by Be the Light, Speak Up, Speak Out, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Our mission is simple: To ensure that cost does not prevent someone from receiving mental health support.
Who We Serve:
CLICK the RED SENCA HEART BELOW TO READ the LATEST NEWSLETTER!
DO YOU NEED HELP with FOOD, HOUSING or OTHER EMERGENCY SERVICES?
SENCA (Southeast Nebraska Community Action) is HERE to HELP YOU!
To drop off donations or pick up food at the local food pantry, you need to make an appointment.
Monday - Friday
8am - 4:30 pm
Call or text for appointment, 402-297-7418
SENCA Cass County Outreach
First Presbyterian Church, lower level
701 Chicago Ave.
Plattsmouth, NE 68048
(Please enter at the lower level on the north side of the church at the driveway directly across from Oakmont Drive, off of Chicago Avenue.)
*CRITICAL NEED FOR BLOOD DONORS*
PLATELET SHORTAGE!
There is a platelet shortage right now. All eligible donors are being called to make a platelet donation appointment to ensure patients have lifesaving care.
* * * * *
Your support can make a lifesaving difference. Explore the ways you can get involved, whether it’s giving blood, making a financial donation, volunteering or learning lifesaving skills.
Schedule your blood, platelet or AB Elite plasma donation today!
Confirm days and times and
learn more HERE or call 1-800-733-2767.
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Thursday, September 3, 2026
City Building
101 W Eldora Ave
Weeping Water, NE 68463
11:30 AM - 5:30 PM
* * *
Wednesday, September 30, 2026
Plattsmouth High School
1916 E Hwy 34
Plattsmouth, NE 68048
8 AM - 2PM
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Monday, October 5, 2026
VFW Post 2543
510 1st Avenue
Plattsmouth, NE 68048
11:30 AM - 5:30 PM
* * *
Monday, October 19, 2026
Elmwood Murdock High School
300 Wyoming
Murdock, NE 68407
NOON - 6PM
* * *
Friday, October 23, 2026
Conestoga High School
8404 42nd St
Murray, NE 68409
9 AM -2 PM
* * *
Tuesday, October 27, 2026
Louisville High School
202 West 3rd Street
Louisville, NE 68037
10 AM - 4 PM
* * *
Wednesday, November 11, 2026
Weeping Water High School
204 W O Street
Weeping Water, NE 68463
NOON - 6 PM
* * *
Tuesday, December 1, 2026
Avoca Town Hall
623 House St
Avoca, NE 68307
11AM - 5PM
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Wednesday, December 2, 2026
Plattsmouth High School
1916 E Hwy 34
Plattsmouth, NE 68048
8 AM - 2 PM
* * *
Monday, December 7, 2026
VFW Post 2543 Plattsmouth
510 1st Avenue
Plattsmouth, NE 68048
11:30 AM - 5:30 PM
* * *
Tuesday, December 29, 2026
Louisville Civic Center
423 Elm St
Louisville, NE 68037
9 AM - 3 PM
WEEPING WATER COMMUNITY CENTER
101 E. ELDORA
ENTER at LOWER LEVEL on the SOUTH SIDE of the BUILDING.
ALL AGES are WELCOME!
EACH MEAL is only $6 and SERVED on MON-WED-FRIDAYS at NOON.
PLEASE CALL by 10 AM the SAME DAY as the DINNER YOU WISH to ATTEND.
ELMWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER
Elmwood Community Center Seeks Help
The Elmwood Community Center is more than just a building—it’s the heart of our town! From serving home-cooked meals to hosting reunions and providing a space for neighbors to connect, it’s a vital lifeline for Elmwood and Eagle.
While we’ve recently updated the kitchen and flooring, our next big goal is replacing our drafty windows and front door to keep the cold out.
We’re halfway there!
The Elmwood Community Center Board has secured $8,000 in grants, but we still need $8,500 to reach our $16,500 goal.
How you can help:
✅ Attend our upcoming fundraising events.
✅ Book the Center for your next party or meeting.
✅ Donate directly to help us close the gap!
Every bit helps keep our Center warm and welcoming. Contact Karla Snoozy at (402)994-2145 or (402)304-5766 if you have questions or want to help.
Thank you for your support!
Fall Kickoff Vintage Market Labor Day Weekend -- Sat. Sept. 5 & Sun. Sept. 6, 10 AM-4 PM. Shop the lawn and barn for antiques, vintage, home goods, house plants, gifts and fall decor! We hope to also have the first of the pumpkins, squash and gourds if they're ready in time. Admission is free.
Pumpkin Patch season begins with two weekends of our new Butterfly Festival, Sept. 19, 20, 26 & 27. Enjoy butterfly-themed food and drink, photo ops, vendors, a take-home craft, and more. Included with pumpkin patch admission.
CORNHUSKER COUNTRY MUSIC THEATER
211 Main Street
Louisville, NE
WE ARE A 501c3, NON PROFIT,
OUR "SUGGESTED SHOW ADMISSION" is $10 at the door;
Kids 12 & under are still FREE admission!
UPCOMING SHOWS:
Saturday, September 26
The Down Home Band
7:30 pm - 10:00 pm
* * * * *
FREE JAM SESSIONS!
Second Sunday of each month – Electric Jam Session (1:00 – 4:00 PM)
Last Sunday of each month – Acoustic Only Jam Session (1:00 – 4:00 PM)
Bring your instruments and enjoy an afternoon of great music and good company! Click the theater flyer above or HERE to read the latest CCMT news. Call 402-949-0668 with any questions.
Check out new website at www.happypawsplattsmouth.org
And download foster application!
PLATTSMOUTH AMATEUR RADIO CLUB (P.A.R.C.)
KB0SMX
P.A.R.C. members get together Tuesday evenings at Plattsmouth's Burger King at 6 pm.
Monthly meetings the last Saturday of most months at Mom's Cafe in Plattsmouth, 8 am.
(NO December monthly meeting.)
Click HERE or on the radio antenna logo above to read the latest newsletter and calendar.
For more info, contact Roger Behrns, rb55930@windstream.net or call 402-234-6775.
AREA LIBRARY EVENTS:
Sunday, Noon - 4 p.m.
Monday, 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Tuesday, 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Wednesday, 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Thursday, 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Saturday, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
217 Main St.
P.O. Box 39
Louisville, NE 68037
Phone: (402) 234-6265
Hours might differ due to holidays, etc.
Monday, 10 AM–6 PM
Tuesday, 10 AM–6 PM
Wednesday,10 AM–6 PM
Friday, 10 AM–5 PM
Saturday, 9 AM–12 PM
Closed Sunday and Thursday
ELMWOOD NEBRASKA PUBLIC LIBRARY
124 W D St.
Elmwood, NE 68349
(402) 994-4125
We welcome all who love to read, whether you're from Elmwood, Murdock, or beyond!
Come join us!
Hours might differ due to holidays, etc.
Sunday - Closed
Friday - Closed
Monday: 3 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Tuesday: 2:p.m. - 6 p.m.
Wednesday: 2: p.m. - 6 p.m.
Thursday: 10: a.m. - 2 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m
Easy Library Links
Online Card Catalog https://elmwoodpubliclibrary.follettdestiny.com/
Springfield, NE 68059
Phone: (402) 253-2797
Sunday, Closed
Monday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Tuesday, Noon - 7 p.m.
Wednesday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Thursday, Noon - 7 p.m.
Friday, Noon - 5 p.m.
Saturday, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Spots are limited, so you’ll need to reserve a one-hour time slot in advance. Participants must be 19 or older, and registration requires a Facility Use Agreement, liability waiver, and ID copy.
Grab a friend, get active, and come enjoy some fun at the Springfield, NE Community Building!
For more information about child abuse and neglect reporting in Nebraska, visit the DHHS website at https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Child-Abuse.aspx.
Read more about it HERE.
(Credit the Nebraska Examiner, July 5, 2024)
In-person and phone meetings are held weekly,
Mondays and Wednesdays, at noon, and Fridays at 5pm.
Hosanna Lutheran Church
700 S 18th St
Plattsmouth, NE
Come in person or attend by phone, calling 605-562-8401, and enter access code 1239518#.
Dear Readers,
We want to build an online history about Murray.
Please submit any information you might know about our town to start creating this project.
If you own a business, let us know when you started and any informaton about the building and/or business located there before yours. Do you know the little gray building, CJ's Hair Salon, on Main Street used to be an ice cream shop? Do you also know that the Murray Christian Church used to be located on the southeast corner of Latta and Main streets? In the early 1900's Murray's Main Street was devastated by a fire. Have you heard any information about that time that's been passed down from your ancestors?
You can also send information about your house - when it was built and any background about it. Was it one of the first homes in town? Is it haunted? What do you know about it? There's a little house in town that used to be the old railroad depot! Do you know where it is now, or that the old Murray Elementary School's mascot name was the Mustangs?
Any information would be helpful. Please send photos, too, if available! Photos should contain people's names and location and any other helpful information. This should become a fun, educational and informative piece of history that will continue to grow, and one that we're all building together! Thanks for your help!
Email your information to:
Editor@MurrayNebraska.com
LET'S GO 'THRIFTING' in OUR CASS COUNTY THRIFT STORES!
Save Money! Recycle! Help Your Cass County Communities!
HAVE FUN!
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BE THE LIGHT THRIFT & GIFT
202 West H St
Weeping Water, NE
PROCEEDS TOWARD SUICIDE PREVENTION
OPEN:
WEDNESDAY 2 ~ 7
SATURDAY 9 ~ 4
*CLOSED ALL OF JANUARY & FEBRUARY
https://www.bethelight402.org/thrift-and-gift
https://www.facebook.com/Bethelightbethevoice/
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BITS & PIECES
158 N 4th
Elmwood, NE
SUNDAY: CLOSED
MONDAY: CLOSED
TUESDAY: 9 ~ 4
WEDNESDAY: 9 ~ Noon
THURSDAY: 9 ~ 4
FRIDAY: 9 ~ 5
SATURDAY: 9 ~ 4
402-994-5755
https://www.facebook.com/p/Bits-and-Pieces-and-More-Thrift-Store-100057192261002/
* * * * *
HOPE'S CLOSET
109 Main St.
Louisville, NE 68037
SUNDAY: CLOSED
MONDAY: CLOSED
TUESDAY: CLOSED
WEDNESDAY: Noon ~ 4
THURSDAY: 10 ~ 4
FRIDAY: 10 ~ 4
SATURDAY: 10 ~ 4
402) 234-1444
https://www.facebook.com/hopesclosetlouisville/
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UNDER HIS WINGS
511 Main St.
Plattsmouth, NE
SUNDAY: CLOSED
MONDAY: CLOSED
TUESDAY: 10 ~ 5
WEDNESDAY: 10 ~ 5
THURSDAY: 10 ~ 5
FRIDAY: 10 ~ 5
SATURDAY: 10 ~ 2
(402) 802-7115
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100054505718837
* * * * *
MY NEIGHBOR'S CLOSET
(South end of parking lot at Church of the Holy Spirit)
500 S 18th St.
Plattsmouth, NE
SUNDAY: CLOSED
MONDAY: CLOSED
TUESDAY: CLOSED
WEDNESDAY: CLOSED
*THURSDAY: 10 ~ 2
*FRIDAY: 10 ~ 2
*SATURDAY: 10 ~ 2
*No air conditioning, so we'll be open if not too hot!
402-296-3139
https://holyspiritplattsmouth.com/my-neighbors-closet/
* * * * *
FOR the LOVE of JUNK
317 4th St
Murdock, NE 68407
OPEN: Usually Saturdays, 9 am ~ 4 pm, or by appointment only
402-297-1360
ATTENTION, VETERANS!
Do you need assistance? We're here to help!
Contact Cass County Veteran Service Officer
Email: ccvso@cassne.org
Admin Assistant: Jacie Victor
Email: ccvsoadmin@cassne.org
Call for appointment! 402-296-9368
NOW HIRING:
LOUISVILLE CARE CENTER
has new job positions!!!
We have OPEN Positions!
Click HERE to Apply Online
FT/PT/Casual CNA/CMA-Click Here to see Job Description
FT/PT/Casual LPN/RN-Click Here to see Job Description
FT/PT/Casual C.M.A or Medication Aid with C.N.A-Click Here to see Job Description
PT Transport Driver-Click Here to see Job Description
HERE IS WHAT MAKES US A GREAT PLACE TO WORK!
LCC offers free healthcare premiums for ALL our full time employees. Click Here to see Our Benefit Summary
Evening, night and weekend shift differentials.
Competative Wages! Inquire within for wage ranges.
Hire on bonus for C.N.A's, C.M.A's, RN's, LPN's and Personal Care Assistants. Click Here to see Hire on Bonus Policy
New Baylor Pay position for Certified Nursing Assistants.Click Here for Baylor Pay Policy
For Inquiries please call or email H.R. at ktrauernicht@lccne.com E.O.E
DO YOU KNOW...
The Newsletter you're reading now is only one of several weekly online Nebraska Community Website Newsletters? Here are some others you might be interested in subscribing to:
www.AlvoNebraska.com
www.CedarCreekNebraska.com
www.EagleNebraska.com
www.ElmwoodNebraska.com
www.GreenwoodNebraska.com
www.LouisvilleNebraska.com
www.NehawkaNebraska.com
www.ManleyNebraska.com
www.MurrayNebraska.com
www.MurdockNebraska.com
www.PlattsmouthNebraska.com
www.SpringfieldNebraska.com
www.UnionNebraska.com
www.UnadillaNebraska.com
www.WeepingWaterNebraska.com
Community Newsletters are FREE - you can subscribe for 1, or 2, or 3 ... or ALL of them!
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SUBMIT YOUR NEWS TO THIS NEWSLETTER...
Below is a list of categories that we are happy to post, (at NO COST to you!), in the weekly Murray online newsletter:
Weddings
Engagements
Anniversary
Births
Letters to the Editor
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Upcoming Events
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Lost and Found
Obituaries
Recipes
Photos
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 NOON on the preceding MONDAY.
To submit your articles:
Email your story with your name, contact info and story, in plain text to:
Send photos and flyers in .jpg or png format, no larger than 595 pixels wide to the e-address above with your story in plain text.
Be sure to allow enough time to be received by Monday, if you want it in that week's Newsletter! Also, when mailing items you'd like to get back, please enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope.
Remember to include the basics, 'who, what, when, where and why', along with any other helpful details, such as a contact person and phone.
Again, you must have your name and contact information included with the information.
Thanks for helping to keep YOUR Murray Newsletter fresh and up-to-date!
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