Mark Twain's Notebook, 1898
This week our Student of the Week Winner is Mason Merwald. He is a senior at Conestoga High School. His activities include football, basketball, soccer, and National Honor Society. His parents are Dave and Kris Merwald.
He was nominated for these reasons:
He is a top student in our school.
He has shown great character, fighting back from injury.
He is having a great start to the basketball season shooting 55% from 3 and averaging 15 points per game.
He has stepped up and helped with duties that usually go to coaches on our staff.
The Antidote: A Novel Proclaimed the 2026 One Book One Nebraska
On Jan. 13, 2026 Governor Jim Pillen signed a proclamation honoring the 2026 One Book One Nebraska selection The Antidote: A Novel (Knopf, 2025) by Karen Russell. Rebecca Faber, Nebraska Center for the Book (NCB) Board member spoke about the program and selection. The Antidote is a historical fiction novel set in the fictional Nebraska town of Uz during the trials of the dust bowl. Full of magical realism, Nebraska landmarks, and superb storytelling, The Antidote showcases the challenges of the time period while urging the reader to face the future. The full proclamation can be viewed on the One Book One Nebraska webpages at http://onebook.nebraska.gov. Rebecca Faber from the Nebraska Center for the Book board spoke at the proclamation ceremony, saying:
“Ms Russell made several trips to Nebraska to do extensive research as she developed her novel. During these visits she gained historical, cultural, meteorological, and geological information about Nebraska during the 1930’s. She refers to her writing process as a “deeply collaborative experience” due to the cooperation she received from Nebraskans who provided her with essential information. The One Book One Nebraska program provides a great opportunity to promote reading, personal learning and reflection, and our connection with Nebraska writers, publishers, libraries, schools, and communities.”
The One Book One Nebraska reading program, sponsored by the Nebraska Center for the Book, Nebraska Library Commission, and Humanities Nebraska is entering its twenty-second year. It encourages Nebraskans across the state to read and discuss one book, chosen from books written by Nebraska authors or that have a Nebraska theme or setting. Libraries across Nebraska will join other literary and cultural organizations in planning book discussions, activities, and events to encourage Nebraskans to read and discuss this book. Support materials to assist with local reading/discussion activities are available at http://onebook.nebraska.gov. Supporting programming is available through the Humanities Nebraska Speakers Bureau at https://humanitiesnebraska.org/speaker/.
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 Nebraska Library Commission.
As Nebraska’s 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.
Condolences to the Family and Friends of...
CAROL MATSCHULLAT
former music teacher at Murray-Conestoga schools.
In the early 2000's when Conestoga went to 4-day school weeks, there were no scheduled school days on Mondays so Carol would drive from her home in LaVista, NE to give music lessons to students in their homes in Murray and Beaver Lake on her days 'off'. She truly loved music, and her students, whom she generously shared that love with.
The visitation for Carol will be Friday, January 30th, 2026, at Bethany Funeral Home, 8201 Harrison St., LaVista, NE from 5-7 pm.
Her funeral will be the following day, January 31st, 2026 at Faith Presbyterian Church, 8100 Giles Road, LaVista, NE, at 11 am.
https://www.bethanyfuneralhome.com/obituaries is in charge of arrangements. A complete obituary will be published soon.
MCC BREAKFAST SAUSAGE BURRITOS FUNDRAISER
You'll receive a freshly-made burrito, with instructions on how to freeze and heat them up for only $5 each.
Payment and order due by January 24th.
Pick up Sunday, February 1st, 2026
11:30-12:30
LOCAL BUSINESS OWNERS, WE NEED YOUR UPDATED INFO!
Scrolling across the top of the Murray Newsletter, where it says "Commerce", business owners are encouraged to complete and submit this form:
"If your Business is noted Listed Click Here or Leave a VM at 402-968-0821 for a call back."
We are removing any business that does not submit their current information.
This is very necessary and long overdue. Thanks, Everyone!
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.)
SOMEWHERE, SOMEONE NEEDS YOUR BLOOD!
Grab some friends and schedule your blood, platelet or AB Elite plasma donation today.
Critical Need for Blood Donors!
Confirm days and times and
learn more HERE or call 1-800-733-2767.
* * * * *
Monday, February 2, 2026
VFW Post 2543 Plattsmouth
510 1st Avenue
Plattsmouth, NE 68048
11:30 AM - 05:30 PM
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
Plattsmouth High School
1916 E Hiway 34
Plattsmouth, NE 68048
08:00 AM - 02:00 PM
Wednesday, February 25, 2026
Louisville High School
202 West 3rd Street
Louisville, NE 68037
10:00 AM - 04:00 PM
Thursday, March 12, 2026
City Building
101 W Eldora Ave
Weeping Water, NE 68463
11:30 AM - 05:30 PM
4107 Wavery Road
Murray, NE 68409
Just by adding a few of the items listed below to your shopping list and picking them up, you'll be helping someone in a big way. Keep in mind that some of the children are very young and are possibly 'preparing' their own meals, so easy-to-open containers are a good option for little hands.
Granola bars
Fruit snacks
Dry pasta
Spaghetti sauce
Dry soup mixes
Canned meat (chicken, tuna)
Boxed prepared meal kits (Hamburger Helper, Rice-a-Roni)
Peanut butter
Jelly
Canned fruit and vegetables
City Of Omaha Police Impound Vehicle Auction January 24, 2026 at 9:00am
7809 F Street, Omaha, NE 68127
Elmwood, Nebraska's Community Center is open to all ages Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Lunch meals are served at noon for $6 and may be dine-in or carry-out, or $7 for delivery (to local addresses).
Please call, (402) 994-2145, at any time to make arrangements for lunch NO LATER THAN 9:30 on the day of your meal.
The facility is available for rental to the public. "Like" our Facebook page to keep up with all of our events!
Elmwood, NE Community Center Phone & Address:
144 N 4th St, Elmwood, NE 68349
(402) 994-2145
(P.A.R.C.)PLATTSMOUTH AMATEUR RADIO CLUB MEETING.
WE'LL MEET NEXT on the LAST SUNDAY, (NOT SATURDAY), on JANUARY 25, 2026, CATFISH LAKE, 5 pm, in the BACK ROOM, ORDERING off the MENU.
211 Main Street
Louisville, NE
SHOW ADMISSION:
$7 at the door; Kids 12 & under, FREE!
UPCOMING:
FREE! EACH SUNDAY in JANUARY, JAM SESSIIONS!
Sunday the 11th & 25th – Electric Jam Session (1:00 – 4:00 PM)
Sunday the 4th & 18th – 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!
Happy Paws Plattsmouth is a volunteer-powered 501(c)(3) charitable organization serving Cass, Sarpy, and Douglas Counties
with one mission: to transform the lives of animals in need while enriching the families who welcome them home.
Allied Heating and Cooling
We're a locally owned and operated HVAC company built on something simple: doing quality work and treating customers right.
Text or call us at 402-739-9959 or email us at alliedheatingandcoolingllc@gmail.com
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.
(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
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 just east of the Murray Repair Shop? 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
Elmwood Library Hours
Monday: 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Tuesday: 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Wednesday: 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Thursday: 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
Saturday: 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
We welcome all who love to read, whether you're from Elmwood, Murdock, or beyond!
Come join us!
Easy Library Links
Online Card Catalog https://elmwoodpubliclibrary.follettdestiny.com/
DO YOU KNOW...
The Newsletter you're reading now is only one of several weekly online Cass County 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.
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
ARE YOU 55+
and
LOOKING FOR PART-TIME WORK?
The following is an employment opportunity available to older adults in Cass County.
Experience Works is a national, non-profit organization funded by the US Dept of Labor to administer the Senior Community Service Employment Program, which assists people 55 and older in getting updated training to assist in returning to the workforce. This is a federally funded program and offers a no-cost employment service to older adults who qualify.
Once accepted into the program, individuals are placed in a training site in or near their community, where they gain on the job experience while working 20-21 hours/week at $8/hour.
We also help with skill assessments, computer training, resumes, cover letters, job search, etc.
The goal is that through the training and job search assistance we gain help older adults gain good jobs in or around their communities.
Stephanie MahonyEmployment and Training CoordinatorExperience Works, Inc.
1111 "O" Street Ste 205
American Job CenterLincoln, NE 68508
Phone: 402-441-1654Fax: 402-441-6038
stephanie_mahony@experienceworks.org<;/a>
Nebraska Toll-free Number: 1-877-314-7526
https://www.keepcasscountybeautiful.com/index.php
HOW TO 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.
There are 3 ways you can submit your articles:
1) You may call your information to 402-235-2926 and leave a voice mail with your name and phone number.
2) Email your story with your name, contact info and story, in plain text to:
Send photos in .jpg or png format, no larger than 595 pixels wide or photos and fliers in a .pdf, to the e-address above with your story in plain text.
3) Send items via the U.S. postal service to:
Be sure to allow enough time to be received by Monday! Also, when mailing items you'd like to get back, please enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope.
Remember to include '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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It's easy and FREE!
If you enjoy reading this Newsletter and would like to subscribe, (it's FREE), go to the 'WHAT'S NEW' tab at the top of the Newsletter and enter your email address. Early each Wednesday you'll receive a message to click the link that will take you to the Newsletter.
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If you have any trouble adding your e-address, please send a note to our website owners at John@wirebuilt.com or Irina@wirebuilt.com and they'll get it added. (They're the tech gurus here.)
Thanks for reading!
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