Murray Newsletter - August 12, 2026
Author Unknown
Condolences to the Family of...
Vera Crom
formerly of Murray. You may read her complete obituary HERE.
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Condolences to the Family of...
Jeff Fitzpatrick.
formerly of Murray. You may read Jeff's complete obituary HERE.
12-MONTH DATA CENTER MORATORIUM STARTS NOW
Approximately 75 concerned citizens attended the early morning meeting of the Cass County Board of Commissioners, held on Tuesday, August 11th, at the Cass County courthouse. Due to all seats being filled, creating standing-room only, the attendees spilled into the hallway.
Many thoughtful concerns were voiced about how wildlife, farm animals, cropland, water systems, air cleanliness and noise quality would all be affected. Matters of taxes and the number of available jobs after the building completion were also expressed. Many citizens urged elected officials to present to the public more open meetings, with the developers also in attendance, so that questions can be answered and pertinent information brought to the forefront.
After listening to their constituents, the Commissioners cast a unanimous vote declaring a 12-month suspension to the possible groundbreaking.
Residents left the meeting feeling cautiously hopeful that open and transparent meetings, both during daytime and evening hours, will continue on a regular basis during the moratorium, before a final decision is made.
To follow the progress of the meetings, you may read the minutes of each HERE. (It might take a couple of days for the minutes to get entered into the system, so be patient.)
You may also find the meeting agendas HERE.
Become an informed citizen and check back often.
On Thursday, August 13th a member of my casework team will be in Plattsmouth to listen to your concerns and offer any assistance you may need in dealing with a federal government agency.
My casework team will be in Plattsmouth
Thursday, August 13th
11:00am - Noon
Cass County Courthouse
346 Main Street, Plattsmouth
Serving Nebraskans and making government more responsive to you, the taxpayer, is a top priority for me as your U.S. Senator. That is why my team sets up Mobile Office Hours across the state, to be available to you.
Not sure what services my team can offer? Check out my website, www.ricketts.senate.gov.
I hope you will visit with my team in Plattsmouth on August 13th to discuss the issues that matter to you.
It is an honor to serve you in the United States Senate.
Sincerely,
Pete Ricketts
The Omaha to Lincoln Rail Crossing Safety Improvement Plan is a study by the Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) to evaluate and improve locations where roads cross railroad tracks along the BNSF Railway (BNSF) corridor.
Read about it HERE, then take the survey.
Let your friends know, too. Even though the majority of the changes might not be in Cass County at this time, many of us cross many railroad tracks often as we drive along these roads and highways in the surrounding counties.
Helping to make our little corner of the world safer together is a simple thing, such as filling out a survey - and it could save a life.
https://ndot-omaha-lincoln-rail.com/#about
PLANNING to VOTE EARLY?
If so, you must first get an EARLY VOTING BALLOT APPLICATION so that your ballot can be mailed to you.
Once you receive the green card, (this example shows only the top part you'll keep), fill it out and return it to the Election Commission office NO LATER THAN OCTOBER 23rd, although the sooner, the better!
The Annual Price Option (APO) from Black Hills Energy lets residential customers in Nebraska lock in a fixed natural gas price per therm for one year.
The 2026–27 program enrollment opens on August 10 and closes on October 5, 2026, capped at the first 13,000 customers. Program Details Active Period: November 1, 2026, through October 31, 2027.
Enrollment Window: August 10 to October 5, 2026 (limit of 13,000 customers).
Benefit: Gives budget predictability by protecting against market spikes, though total bills still change based on how much gas you use.
Default: Customers who do not sign up stay on the standard variable rate.
How to Sign Up Online: Visit Annual Price Option or log in to your account via the Black Hills Energy Register Portal.
Phone: Call customer service at 800-753-7509.
Our next quarterly newsletter will be sent out in October, with a focus on Weatherization, Radon Mitigation, and other housing related programs.
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 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.
* * * * * * * * * *
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*
The Red Cross Blood Bank is dangerously low on blood! Blood type O is at such a low as to only have a one-day supply, if no catastrophic event occurs. PLEASE donate, no matter what your type.
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.
"You must never think of anything except the need and how to meet it."
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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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Wednesday, August 19, 2026
Louisville High School
202 West 3rd Street
Louisville, NE 68037
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
***
Friday, August 21, 2026
Elmwood Murdock High School
300 Wyoming
Murdock, NE 68407
12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
***
Thursday, September 3, 2026
City Building
101 W Eldora Ave
Weeping Water, NE 68463
11:30 AM - 5:30 PM
We would like to invite everyone to attend the next Auxiliary Pancake Breakfast Sunday, August 16th 2026 from 7am to 11am.
We will again be serving Pancakes, Sausage, Eggs, Cinnamon Rolls, Biscuits and Gravy, Orange Juice, and Coffee.
Free will donation
Come join us for a great breakfast for a great cause!
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, August 15, 2026
The Jacob Austin Band
7:30 pm - 10:00 pm
* * * * *
Saturday, August 29
The Caleb Kenner Band
7:30 PM – 10:00 PM
We are excited to welcome The Caleb Kenner Band from Gretna, Nebraska.
Caleb and his group are new to our stage, so come out and see what they have to offer. Let’s show them our support and thank them for volunteering to come share their music with us.
* * * * *
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.
WEEPING WATER COMMUNITY CENTER
The 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! ❤️
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, call ing 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!
* * * * *
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/
* * * * *
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: Noon ~ 4
WEDNESDAY: Noon ~ 4
THURSDAY: 10 ~ 4
FRIDAY: 10 ~ 4
SATURDAY: 10 ~ 4
402) 234-1444
https://www.facebook.com/hopesclosetlouisville/
* * * * *
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!
Be informed, know what is going on in your community and your surrounding neighborhoods.
At the top of each Newsletter, click on 'What's New' or the 3-lined drop-down menu. It will say 'Newsletter' or 'Subscribe'. Just enter your e-address here and each Wednesday morning you'll receive an email with a link to that week's edition. Easy, simple, FREE and full of area happenings! We don't sell or give your e-address to anyone either!
BTW, we can bring you this weekly news due to our great business sponsors. If you own a business and would like to sponsor your local Newsletter, please contact us HERE.
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
Birthday Greeting
Upcoming Events
Cards of Thanks
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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