Elmwood News - August 19, 2020

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School is now in session and it's a little bit different. I don't want to call it the "new normal" but a temporary normal.

Little Cheer Camp

Monday, Aug 31st - Wed Sept 2nd

Performance Friday, September 4th at halftime during the Boys Varsity football game.

Signup HERE

Football, volleyball, golf, cross country, one-act, science club it's all still happening. Some kids have opted for at-home learning and the district is being flexible for those students.

If you would like to see more of the activities to attend locally to support our school, students and families visit the new Elmwood-Murdock School Calendar page.

NEW ELMWOOD-MURDOCK SCHOOL WEBSITE

Check out the calendar on the Elmwood Website

Elmwood Learning & Cultural Center

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Last week four public meetings were held at the Bess Streeter Aldrich hour to educate the community on a future project that combines the efforts of the Bess Streeter Aldrich Foundation and the American Legion Post #247

Both Kurk Shrader and Bonnie Brewer have spent many years of dedication to developing lasting legacies in our area. One of their fears is what happens in the future? How can they assure the two organizations continue to grow and represent Elmwood into the Future?

This project quickly changed in May from adding an addition to the existing G.A.R Hall during a meeting with the architect. When Kurk and Bonnie told them what they were looking for he said "You know that type of building already exists in Elmwood"

Approximately 30 people attended the presentation which was held outside in the garden.

The site of the previous Prairie Technology Solutions building, (and previously the Elmwood Coop Oil Company) is slated for GREATNESS. It is the brick building south of the convenience store and has a large parking lot and green space for gatherings in the future. The official name has not been determined but will serve many purposes.

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Meeting attendees were able to see pictures of the inside of the building and give input and suggestions on the center name, functions, and how it can serve the community.

Elmwood Welcome Center
New Location of Village Board (more news coming)
Business office rental
Elmwood Museum space - rotating exhibits from the G.A.R Veterans Museum, Bess Streeter Aldrich Museum, Elmwood history
Genealogy Research Space
Continuing Learning Center

After a tour (pictures to come) they had no idea such a space existed in town and work to figure out how to make their dream possible started.

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The American Exchange Bank arranged for flexible financing and gifted the first $10,000 to the project. This will be a community building, a representative of Elmwood for visitors and the community alike. This center will preserve Elmwood's history and be a space to research genealogy and learn more about our past and existing citizens.

What is fantastic is the 1st phase, thanks to The American Exchange Bank, is now taken care of, AND all three office spaces have been rented or committed. This income will pay the operating expenses.

NOW, the FUN begins!

There are sooo many ways you can participate and help make this center a focus for our community. You can financially donate through various means, or you can help with volunteering, serve as a tour guide, help build displays, marketing, and social media.

Site: Prairie Technology Solutions Building, 221 S. 4th Street, Elmwood, Nebraska
Objective: To serve as a learning and cultural arts center for Elmwood while providing long-term preservation of the community’s historical artifacts with special emphasis on the life and works of Bess Streeter Aldrich and the Grand Army of the Republic Veterans’ Hall.
Owners: Bess Streeter Aldrich Foundation and American Legion Post #247 (eventually, a community foundation will be formed)

Background: The Bess Streeter Aldrich Foundation and G.A.R. Veterans Museum have developed strategies to assure their long-term status in the community. A conversation with architect Rick Hawks about the possible construction of a new building located on the empty lot next to the G.A.R. Hall ultimately resulted in a suggestion to look at the Prairie Solutions Technology building which was purchased in August 2020.

Tenant(s): Much of the potential success of this venture is dependent on finding the right tenants for the three office spaces The Village of Elmwood has agreed to be the primary tenants and will maintain the building. Two other tenants will be sought.

What do we like about this building?

Ideal Main Street Exposure with Adequate Parking
Completely Remodeled in 2016
Welcoming Professional Space
Access to Common Space (kitchenette, board room, and entryway)
Large Walk-In Vault
Long-term Potential with Minimal Interruption to Tenants as Improvements Are Made
Latest Security and Technological Advances
Central Air and Heat

Future Goals for the Building

Phase I—Raise Funds for the Building, Operating the Existing Building “As Is” with Minimalodifications (Handicap Accessibility)
Phase II—Develop plans for Renovation of the Storage Space in the Back to Accommodate Exhibits related to Elmwood’s History, Bess Streeter Aldrich, G.A.R. Hall, and a Genealogy Research Space
Phase III—Eliminate the Back Office and Merge with Existing Board Room to Create Larger Board Room/Classroom (Approximately 20 students at tables and/or 40 students with theater seating)

Elmwood Farmers Market

MAKE SURE TO COME OUT THIS SATURDAY

YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT YOU WILL FIND

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Baked goods are now all the rage with a variety to choose from muffins to cinnamon buns and Danish rolls and bread.

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JOIN OUR FACEBOOK GROUP

For the latest news from our vendors

Farmers market

We can always use more vendors. More vendors attract more people. More people mean more vendors, more vendors mean more variety!!

More variety means you can do more of your shopping local instead of the "box" stores.

Join our Facebook group and stay up to date on who will be showcasing their produce, baked goods, and other items. Ask if anyone is bringing eggs, honey, cinnamon rolls.

ElmwoodNE Community Center

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Bess Street Aldrich House Quilt Show

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Street Construction

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You may have noticed street barricades on West E street, heck if you live on the west side of town there is pretty much no way you can avoid the signs. So what are they doing? Repaving and putting in curbs.

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The wellness committee with the United Methodist Church is raising money for a new park drinking fountain (current drinking fountain is out of order) and park bike pump!!!

Click the link below to donate❤️ Thank you!***When donating, go to the link under Elmwood and add the word “park improvements” to the comments section in PayPal.

https://elmwoodmurdockumc.com/

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Cash donations are being accepted at the C store in Elmwood NE!!!

Check donations can be mailed to the church-
PO Box 130
Elmwood, Nebraska 68349
**add a note to the envelope-park improvements — in Elmwood, Nebraska.

Sonshine daycare

400 West G Street

Elmwood, NE 68349

The daycare phone is 402-994-2384.

Pastor Michelle Chesnut

Cell Phone 402-314-7988 Church Phone: 402-994-6735

E-mail: stpaulelmwood@gmail.com

Website: elmwoodmurdockumc.com

Village Board NEW Office Hours

Monday 8:00 - Noon

Tuesday 8:00 - Noon & 12:30 -4:30

Wednesday 11:00 am - 6:00 pm

Thursday 8:00 - Noon & 12:30 -4:30

Friday CLOSED

ElmwoodNebraskaLibrary

Racing Poster

The Elmwood Library is open again. Regular hours with just a few adjustments for social distancing.

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Easy Library Links

Online Card Catalog https://elmwoodpubliclibrary.follettdestiny.com/

Libby Library App https://help.libbyapp.com/index.htm

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Reminder, if you’re leery to go out, but need something to read, try either the Libby or Overdrive app. Use your card # and the PIN number (streeter) to see available titles online.

It's easy to get a library card and borrowing electronic books can be done on your tablet or Kindle. It's an easier process. Anyone can be a library member. Even if you live in another town or state. Did you grow up here and want access to thousands of free books.

It's just $10.00. Really. When you are visiting stop by and find out how to become a member.

Access digital media! Audiobooks, eBooks, magazines! There's a new library app called, "Libby" to help you with all of your things. Works much easier than OverDrive! Try it out on your phone, computer or other device today!

library liby

Elmwoodlibrarycard Spread the word about the Elmwood Public Library!

Visit the Overdrive website for more information on checking out electronic books and media.
www.help.overdrive.com

Elmwood Christian Church

Virtual Sunday Services via Zoom. Stay in touch with your congregational members.

Come on in at 9:30 am for some socializing and catching up.

Service starts at 10:00 am

Take It Or Leave It Pantry

TAKE IT OR LEAVE IT PANTRY

The free pantry is here to serve our community. It is for neighbors helping neighbors. Take what you need or leave what you can.

Those who wish to contribute may do so at their discretion when convenient. If the box if full please bring your items back later. So what should you contribute? During this coronavirus situation, there will be an increased need for healthy snack items for kids. Obviously items like toilet paper, sanitizer may be needed by many.

Please avoid harsh strong-smelling chemicals that may transfer to food items.

Here are some ideas that may be useful:

Pasta
Canned or boxed pasta (macaroni & cheese is popular)
Canned soup
Granola bars
Fruit snacks
Dry pasta
Spaghetti sauce
Dry soup mixes
Canned meat (chicken, tuna etc)
Boxed prepared meal kits (hamburger helper etc)

Elmwood #LittleFreePantry

The Little Free Pantry is located between Hufstader Chiropractor, the Elmwood Meat Market, and the Village Hall.

To learn more about the program and find Little Free Pantry in your area visit their WEBSITE

NEW ELMWOOD-MURDOCK SCHOOL WEBSITE

Check out the calendar on the Elmwood Website

Updates from the Legislature merged

Senator Rob Clements Column 8-14-2020

2020 Legislative Session Major Bills

The 2020 Legislative Session has ended after a four-month delay due to COVID 19. Major bills were passed, including property tax relief, business incentives, an abortion ban, and a military pension exemption.

LB 1107, which I supported, is a new property tax credit. State funding starts at $125 million in 2020, increasing to $375 million by year 5. The credit is about 6% of your school property tax paid, increasing later to 18% and is a refundable income tax credit. State revenues must increase by 3.5% before the fund increases, but it is guaranteed to be $375 million by 2025. Then it increases with the growth of statewide property values. This is a good start, but we still need a better long-term solution. Still in effect is the current $275 million Property Tax Credit, which is deducted from your property tax bill, based on your property value.

The new business incentive plan, called ImagiNE Nebraska, replaces the Nebraska Advantage Act. It provides $25 million each of the first two years, $100 million years 3 and 4, and $150 million in year 5. It has much better reporting of taxes forgiven and its economic benefits.

The third part of LB 1107 includes funds up to $300 million if UNMC is selected for a federal biocontainment and research hospital. It is funded only after the new property tax fund reaches $375 million.

Another bill, LB 814, bans dismemberment abortion of live babies. I was a co-sponsor, and it passed with 33 votes. It survived an intense filibuster, and I am glad we now ban this inhumane second-trimester procedure. I thank Sen. Suzanne Geist of Lincoln for her hard work in this effort. Only the doctor, not the woman would be charged with a violation.

Finally, LB 153 exempts 50% of military retirement pay from state income tax. It starts Jan. 1, 2022 so the $12 million cost can be budgeted. This will make Nebraska more competitive with our neighboring states who do not tax military pensions at all. It encourages retiring veterans to stay in Nebraska, get private jobs, buy houses, and contribute to our economy. I was glad to be a co-sponsor and to help pass it this session.

Feel free to contact me or my staff for assistance, information, or questions on issues. You may reach me at: Senator Rob Clements, State Capitol Rm 812, Lincoln, NE 68509, Phone 4024712613, or email: rclements@leg.ne.gov.

Send your updates, announcements, and photos of the events, at editor@elmwoodnebraska.com

Don't forget to send me your news

There are things happening. Who is in the news, who is making the news? This is what I need for the upcoming year

SEND NEWS and PHOTOS to editor@elmwoodnebraska.com

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