Murray Newsletter - October 14, 2026

Louise Imogen Guiney
1861~1920
American poet, essayist and editor

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Young Readers Invited to Write to Favorite Authors

Young readers in grades 4-12 are invited to write a personal letter to an author for the Nebraska Letters about Literature (LAL) contest, a state reading and writing promotion program. The letter can be to any author (living or dead) from any genre-fiction or nonfiction, contemporary or classic-explaining how that author’s work changed the student’s view of the world. Submissions must be completed online October 1 - December 31, 2026. Nebraska Letters About Literature is coordinated and sponsored by the Nebraska Center for the Book and the Nebraska Library Commission, with support from Lincoln City Libraries, Francie & Finch Bookshop, Humanities Nebraska, and Chapters Bookstore in Seward.

The Nebraska Center for the Book’s panel of judges will select a winner and an honorable mention per competition level (Level I for grades 4-6, Level II for grades 7-8, and Level III for grades 9-12) to be honored in a proclamation-signing ceremony at the state capitol during National Library Week in April 2027. Their winning letters will be placed in the Jane Pope Geske Heritage Room of Nebraska Authors at Bennett Martin Public Library in Lincoln. Nebraska winners and honorable mentions will receive state prizes.

Teachers, librarians, and parents can download the contest guidelines, free teaching materials, information on the online entry system, and past winning letters on the Nebraska Center for the Book website. For more information contact Nebraska Center for the Book.

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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How to Recycle and Reduce Waste in the Fall

Fall is a great time to recycle seasonal décor, compost yard waste, and repurpose items so nothing ends up in the landfill.

Here are some tips to help you get started:

Recycle Seasonal Décor
Pumpkins can be recycled at either our Plattsmouth or South Bend locations that will be used to feed animals or replanted - please make sure no paint is on them.

Or you can remove seeds, roast them for snacks, or compost them.

Clean glass candle jars or other containers can be repurposed for storage or crafts or taken to our Eagle or Plattsmouth Glass recycling centers.

Compost Yard Waste
Start a compost pile with fallen leaves, grass clippings, fruit/vegetable scraps, eggshells, and manure.

This creates nutrient-rich soil for your garden and reduces landfill waste.

Donate or Repurpose
Faux flowers and skeletons can be donated to thrift stores or resale shops.

Upcycle décor by turning old cans into “tin can pumpkins,” make wreaths from pinecones, or craft leaf garlands from recycled paper.

Reduce Landscaping Waste
Store leftover landscaping materials in containers for recycling or donation.
Energy & Waste Tips
Lower your thermostat by a few degrees to save energy

Use eco-friendly fireplace logs and avoid running heaters and fireplaces at the same time

We have locations in Cass County where many things can be recycled. If you have any questions please reach out to us!

For more information email: Director@keepcasscountybeautiful.com

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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!

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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.) 

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 *CRITICAL NEED FOR BLOOD DONORS*

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This week our Student of the Week Winner is Ruby Campin. She is a senior at Plattsmouth High School. Her activities include softball, basketball, and track. Her parents are John and Niki Campin.

She was nominated for these reasons:
She is a great leader in our hallways
She is great student and prides herself on quality work
Her is a leader on all of the athletic teams she participates on
She is a dedicated student athlete

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Join us on October 24 from 10 AM–4 PM for a cozy day filled with local vendors, books, and all the autumn vibes!

Bring a book to swap at our book swap table, shop from amazing local vendors, and help us give back by donating a book to our book donation box for the Louisville Public Library.

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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!

 

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Autumn is a great time to learn about pollinator gardens and, in particular, Nebraska pollinators. The Union United Youth Group wants to help our youth in understanding why this is so important to our world. Our group is focused on food systems. We receive grant funding from Nebraska Children and Families Foundation, under the Beyond School Bells program.

Students in elementary through high school are encouraged to participate.  We'd like to recruit high-schoolers to be in leadership roles.

In late winter, as spring approaches, we'll be planting seeds to grow seedlings for our community garden which we'll maintain throughout the summer.

We're still working on definitive meeting days & times, although we plan to meet at the Union Fire Station, 500 Main Street, in Union, NE. We'd like to know who and how many students are interested in this fun, worthwhile project, so that we can plan accordingly. Please contact Melissa at (402) 598-6603 or email at mmhagain@gmail.com.<;;/a>

LET'S PLANT SOME FUN!

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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.

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Arsenic and Old Lace by Joseph Kesselring

Production Dates: October 16, 17, 22, 23, 24, 25

Show Times: 7:00 PM Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, 2:00 PM Sundays

Shows start at 7 PM on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, and 2 PM on Sundays. The concession stand will open one hour before the show starts, and the house will be open for seating at this time

Tickets: $25

lofte.org

Manley, Neb. - The Lofte Community Theatre will open Arsenic and Old Lace October 16th. The show will run through October 25th with performances Thursday through Sunday, with Sunday performances at 2 PM. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased by calling the Lofte Box Office, by phone at 402-234-2553, or by visiting www.lofte.org.

Synopsis: Drama critic Mortimer Brewster’s life is upended when he discovers a corpse in his elderly aunts’ window seat. Mortimer rushes to tell Abby and Martha before they stumble upon the body themselves, only to learn that the two old women are already aware of the dead man in their parlor. Find out how he got there by joining us for this classic comedy about the only things more deadly than poison: Family.

Directed By: Kevin Colbert

About The Lofte Community Theatre: The Lofte Community Theatre is located in Manley Nebraska, approximately 25 minutes south of Omaha. The theatre, a new post-and-beam style performing arts facility can seat approximately 330 patrons for each performance. Actors and audience members enjoy a beautiful climate-controlled venue year-round with concessions offered.

For more information contact Natalie McGovern at pr@lofte.org or (402) 671-9379.

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Check out new website at www.happypawsplattsmouth.org

And download foster application!

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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.

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AREA LIBRARY EVENTS:

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