Elmwood News - Sept 1, 2020

Made possible in part by Community Sustaining Sponsor

Cass County News Farmers Market Library News SUBMIT NEWS

Street Construction

The West E Street street construction is now paved!! Ok, we can't drive on it yet, still more work to be done, but there is progress and that looks and feels great.

Yup, these are scenes from Beth Philsons' front porch. Thanks, Beth for the following photos too.

West E Stree Philson

The driveways were the first to be poured. Pretty soon the neighborhood will be able to park in their driveways again.

West E Stree Philson2

It was actually very satisfying to watch cement being poured.

Elmwood Farmers Market

MAKE SURE TO COME OUT THIS SATURDAY

YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT YOU WILL FIND

Fall is in the air and lots of people were out at the Farmers Market last Saturday. We had people from outside of Elmwood that didn't even know we had a Farmers Market and promised to return. We had a couple of new vendors. Over the course of the summer, we probably have had over 20 different vendors.

farmers market sign

It is apparent Linda Blunt loves to bake. Last week she brought mini Bundt cakes with Ganache frosting.

farmers market blunt bundt cakes

Since local produce is abundant now we are definately buying and supporting local. Several tomato vendors almost sold out. Customers were making spaghetti sauce and salsa and their tomatoes weren't ready. Okra was also available and gardeners sold their stock of okra even AFTER the market was over. farmers market vegetables

People come with fabric shopping bags and do their weekly shopping. Eggs, honey, vegetables, and sweet rolls fly off the table.

farmers market honey

JOIN OUR FACEBOOK GROUP

For the latest news from our vendors and what they will be bringing each week.

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.

118348268 10158715151783485 7153667826895319585 o

GUESS WHAT!!!??

Within just a day of posting this to the Elmwood Farmers Market Group we received enough donations to pay for these signs!!

Thank you to donations from Tenacious Realty The Market

The signs will appear in mid to late September and will help the market grow next year.

ElmwoodNE Community Center

The Community Center is now operating at somewhat "normal" capacity.

Community Center Activities

The movie Second Hand Lions will be shown on Thursday, September 24th.

This would be a great opportunity for homeschoolers and learn at home families to take a break and visit the Community Center for lunch and a fun movie.

community center menu 920

ElmwoodNebraskaLibrary

Storytimelibrary Racing Poster

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

Easy Library Links

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

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

NebraskAccess

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

ElmwoodNE Community Center

StPaulMethodistChurch Elmwood copy

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/

——————————————————

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

Jeff Cymer is the new Village of Elmwood Maintenance manager, he has already sent me photos while he is out doing his job and for that, I am VERY thankful. The future is bright and looking up. Below is his contact information and work hours. If you need anything please feel free to reach out to him.

1. Jeff Clymer Village of Elmwood Utilities
2. (402) 440-9095 Cell
3. Email address: elmwoodutilities@gmail.com

The position requires me to physically be in town M-F 6:30am/3:00pm (approx) & Sat/Sun an hour each to check water tower & treatment plant.

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

Elmwood Learning & Cultural Center

The New Elmwood Learning and Cultural Center will serve as the following...

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.

bessStreeterCulturalCenterbrick

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)

Updates from the Legislature merged

Senator Rob Clements Column 8-21-2020

In January, 493 bills were introduced and others carried over from 2019. Over 200 bills were passed by the Legislature and the Governor signed all but eight that were vetoed. My previous article covered property tax relief, an abortion ban, and a military pension exemption. Here is a review of some other new laws, and information about an interim study coming this fall.

LB 992 - Broadband Internet Service Act - incorporates the recommendations of the Nebraska Rural Broadband Task Force to improve rural internet service. It allows for internet wiring, among other things, to run along existing utility easements and is an important development for rural Nebraska.

LB 1064 – Tobacco Age - raises the age to 21 for the legal use of tobacco products and electronic vaping of nicotine. It provides for penalties to those providing products to those under age and brings Nebraska into compliance with recent Federal law changes.

LB 1021 – “Micro TIF” bill - provides for simplified Tax Increment Financing (TIF) redevelopment in counties of less than 100,000 people (Cass and Otoe, not Sarpy). It gives incentives for projects to rehabilitate individual run-down properties in substandard and blighted areas. It allows the repair or replacement of an “eyesore” structure at least 60 years old, a house up to $250,000, and a multi-family or commercial building under $1 million, when finished.

LB 781 – Treasurer training - requires continuing education for city and county treasurers and clerks who act as treasurer. The state auditor has discovered several cases of errors and dishonesty by treasurers, including some in my District. This bill is designed to reduce the number of these cases.

LR 415 – Inheritance Tax. - This fall, Legislative committees will hold hearings regarding a wide variety of issues. I introduced LR 415 to ask the Revenue Committee to examine Nebraska’s inheritance tax and whether it should be changed or eliminated.

Taking up to 18% of an estate seems quite high. Over the years I have seen how inheritance taxes can be punitive to families while not providing predictable revenue for counties. Only a few states levy this tax. We can do better than to complicate and, in some cases, create additional pain and suffering for families grieving the loss of a loved one. Any thoughts regarding this study are welcomed and appreciated. A hearing date has not yet been set.

Feel free to contact me or my staff for assistance, information, or questions on issues.

You may reach me at: Senator Robert Clements, State Capitol Rm 812, Lincoln, NE 68509, Phone 4024712613, Email: rclements@leg.ne.gov.

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

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

Advertisement for Food bank 2020 page0001 1

aoooimgbhbegconj

We are currently serving hard ice cream in dishes.
we have 8 different flavors to choose from.

Elmwood C Store
402-994-3305

---------------------

Area News

Pollworker

Please share with your communities as we are especially in need of Workers in Western Cass.

Linn M Moore
Cass County Election Commissioner
201 Main St
Plattsmouth NE 68048
Ph: 402-296-9309
Fax: 402-296-1001

VOTE!

The FUTURE is in YOUR POWER!

IF YOU'RE OVER 18, CLICK EITHER of the NEBRASKA ICONS BELOW to REGISTER TO VOTE! IT'S YOUR RIGHT!

(Editorial by Patricia Zeigler, Editor, MurrayNebraska.com)

General Election: November 3, 2020

If you have any questions regarding elections, registering to
vote, filing for office, or working as an election worker,
contact the election office at:

201 Main Street
Plattsmouth, NE 68048

Call: (402) 296-9309 or email: linnm@cassne.org

Click HERE for an Election Calendar.

2020 08 04 Election Office sign

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

NOW THAT YOU'VE REGISTERED, GET THE FACTS!

There are really NO EXCUSES for failing to vote. You have to work that day? No excuse. Don't have a babysitter? No excuse. You don't want to go out in a crowd? No excuse. Do you know that any Nebraska resident who is a LEGALLY REGISTERED VOTER may request an EARLY-VOTING BALLOT APPLICATION, (also known as an 'ABSENTEE' ballot)? You don't even need to have a reason, (or an excuse), for the request!

One excellent reason for voting by absentee, is the weather. An ice or snow storm, heavy winds or torrential rains could possibly keep you from physically voting on the actual Election Day. No worries about that with your mail-in vote either.

Do you need another good reason for voting by mail? You might get sick and cannot physically go to your polling place.

The following should help you save time:

Cass County NE voters may print the Early Voting Ballot Application HERE.
OR call your local Election Office and ask for one to be mailed to you. In Cass County NE, that's 402-296-9309.
OR in Cass County NE, there is a box located outside the building where you can just pick one up. You may also pick one up at the Election Office inside.
The address is 201 Main Street, Plattsmouth, NE, (white building southeast of the flagpole).

Accurately, completely fill out the form. Include your name, residence address, phone number, mailing address you want the ballot sent to and your signature. Even if you do the automatic fill-in form online, you still need to SIGN IT after you print it. Mail it right away or take it to the Cass County NE Election Office and drop it in the box outside on the southwest wall of the building.

On September 28th ballots will start to be sent out and you should receive yours shortly thereafter.

So get your Early Voting Ballot Application form filled-out now, before the big rush.

The last day to request an Early Voting Ballot to be mailed to you is October 23rd.

Just do it now. Election Day will be here before you know it!

For more information: NEBRASKA SECRETARY of STATE
https://sos.nebraska.gov/elections/early-voting-0

Cass County NE Voters can also check HERE.

**********

Next to the Cass County Election Office door you'll see two sets of forms, one on the right for Voter Registration and on the left, the Early Voting Forms.

After they're filled out and signed, you may take them inside, mail them, or drop them in the 'Ballot Box' around the corner of the building, to the right of the big Election Office sign.

2020 08 05 Election Office Ballot Box