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Senator Rob Clements Update 5-10-2021

The Nebraska Legislature is now in all-day debate and is considering a wide range of issues. This week I would like to discuss a few bills of interest.

LB 408, the Property Tax Request Act, was a bill to limit local government spending in order to limit property tax increases. It would have limited annual growth in property tax requests to three percent plus real growth, exempting bond payments. Spending could increase no more than three percent for two consecutive years and could not exceed nine percent over three years. It also included a sunset date of 2027 so the legislature could review its effectiveness. I supported the bill as it came up for debate on April 22, but it was filibustered and received 29 votes of the 33 needed to advance.

LB 364, the Opportunity Scholarships Act, allowed an income tax credit for contributions to a non-profit K-12 scholarship organization. The bill allowed low-income students to apply for grants to help them attend a private K-12 school that might better fit their educational needs. There was a $5 million annual limit to state income tax credits. I supported the bill, but it failed to advance due to another filibuster, receiving 29 of 33 votes needed.

LR 14, Article V Convention of States resolution, would propose amendments to the Constitution of the United States. LR 14 would allow three topics. First, impose fiscal restraints on the federal government. Second, limit the power and jurisdiction of the federal government over the states. Third, provide for term limits for Federal officials and members of Congress. This resolution is stalled in the Government Committee with a 4 to 4 tie. On April 23 there was a motion to move the bill out of the committee. I voted in favor, but the vote was two votes short of the 25 needed to advance it.

LB 236, County Concealed Carry Option, is my priority bill for this year and will be coming up for debate soon. LB 236 would let a county board authorize the lawful permit-less carrying of a concealed weapon within their jurisdiction. Citizens could conceal carry within the county if they are legally eligible to possess a weapon. The bill excludes counties that contain a city of the metropolitan class (Omaha) or primary class (Lincoln). LB 236 requires counties to consult with their county sheriff prior to passing the ordinance. Persons with a lawful permit-less concealed weapon must immediately inform any emergency responder in the event of an official contact.

Budget – The April 29th forecast added $90 million to the budget projection. There are still many spending bills sitting on the second and third round of debate. These bills currently total more than $245 million and will need to be reduced in the upcoming debate. I will work to reduce the total and prioritize only essential spending so the extra adds to our cash reserves.

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 1120, Lincoln, NE 68509, Phone 402­471­2613, Email: rclements@leg.ne.gov.

We sold out of the Barn tote bags below, and the truck bags were very popular. More are on order and will be here for the May 22nd Market. 

Look Look, we have Elmwood Farmers Market bags too!

The barn totes are back in stock. Stop by the market this Saturday for a NEW design!

They are only $15, and two dollars from each purchase goes back to the Farmers Market for future supplies. 

These will go fast! Pick yours up on Saturday.

There is still room for MORE VENDORS - No fee, no mandatory number of times to set up.

Join our Elmwood Market Vendor group here for more details or contact Dawn via email 

New Summer Hours

Wed, Thur, Fri, Sat, Sun

1:00 - 4:00 pm

The Bess Streeter Aldrich House started its new summer (extended hours) today. 

We can also schedule a private tour on different days for groups of five or more.

This 1925 flapper-style wedding dress gets front room attention because it, like the Aldrich House, is about to celebrate it's 100th birthday. This dress belonged to Mim Custard's mother (Mildred Hoffman who married Ray) on August 26, 1925, in Chambers, Nebraska.

Our wedding exhibit goes through August 29. Are you responsible for planning a bridal shower? Why not consider hosting it at the Aldrich House which is already beautifully decorated. Check out some of the more than 20 dresses on display (as early as 1867)!

The Bess Streeter Aldrich House is pleased to host Dottie Wolverton who will give a presentation entitled “Tied to My Apron Strings” on Friday, June 4, at 1:30 p.m. Considered essential kitchen apparel, the look, and functionality of the apron has changed over the decades. Dottie will bring many of her extensive collections to show.

Designed as a garden event, the program may be moved inside or to the nearby learning center in case of inclement weather. Please pre-register with the director at aldrichfoundation@gmail.com. The cost is $5 and includes admission to the Wedding Exhibit at the Aldrich House. 

The "Pie Ride" is coming to Elmwood this summer.

Marie Gregoire has organized a new event for Elmwwood. For those that are familiar with the Nacho Ride to Eagle - same thing, only we will feature pizza and dessert pi!

"Pie" - Pizza and Dessert Pie.

The C Store and Quonset will sell pizza slices and local civic groups will sell dessert pie at the Park Gazebo.

1st & 3rd Thursdays 

June, July, August

The Nacho Ride has brought economic development to Eagle. We even see riders in Elmwood Taco Tuesday is the BEST in Elmwood!!

Many of you probably don't realize how big this really is, but bike tourism is HUGE. The MoPac trail is part of the ride across America program and every week I see bicyclists in town visiting the C Store, taking a photo by the mural, or stopping by the Farmers Market on Saturday morning. 

Since this is our first year we don't expect the same high numbers as Eagle. But, her organization has the grant to promote this for our community. More details will be coming later.

Bike Share in Elmwood Nebraska

In coordination with St Paul Methodist Church, United Methodist Health Fund, Hutchinson, Kansas, and Bits & Pieces five bicycles are available to check out (just like a library book) and ride around town, to the park, or on the trail. 

• To check out a bike, you must sign a waiver. General bike share program rules-
  must show a drivers license at check out
• 12-17 can rent bikes with a parent at check out. Parents take full responsibility and sign a waiver for their child.
• The bike is due back by the next Bits and Pieces business day. Plans are in the works to get a key dropbox. (Stay tuned.)
• The condition of the bike is checked at check out and when it is checked back in
  when you check out a bike you are responsible for the bike. Any damage will result in a fee.
  failure to return the bike by the due date will result in the suspension of your ability to check out bikes.
• No holds/reservations on bikes will be allowed
• We do not provide helmets. You can bring your own helmet to use while riding the bike.
• Have fun!!!!

Funding for this project was provided in part by the United Methodist Health Fund, Hutchinson, Kansas.💗 About 30 people attended the official ribbon cutting on April 12th and I was even the first person to check out a bike. It's easy and once you are registered you just add the next date and time to the notebook. 

Easy Library Links

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

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

Elmwood St. Paul UMC Cass County Food Bank

There is a new location for the Cass County Food Bank.

The Food Bank has moved to the previous Village Office location. 

They have a new space at the previous Village Board building!

Parking is improved and there is now more space and room for freezers, food storage, and a permanent distribution site. Please let people know about the new location who could use this service.

May Fitness Challenge

May fitness challenge-Run, bike, or walk. The highest number of miles completed for each group will win a prize!! A prize will also be awarded for the most posts/updates to the Facebook page.

Sign up here or contact Nicole at the United Methodist Church for a tracking form.  

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

   Don't forget to send me your news 

Village Updates

Board meetings are open to the public and held every 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month.

The meetings are held at the new Village Board office located at the Learning Center on the south side of town. 

Official agendas are posted the day before at the Post Office, Gas Station, and Village Office. Prior to the posting of the agenda, meeting items can be added to the meeting. At the end of each meeting is a Public Comment Section. Attendees have three minutes to speak about anything at this time. Further discussion on the topic can then be added to the next board meeting.  

Next Board Meeting 

Wednesday, May 5, 2021

 7:00 pm

The agenda is posted at the Elmwood C-Store, the post office, and the Village office.

Minutes can be viewed at the Village office or can be found online.

ELMWOOD VILLAGE BOARD MINUTES

Wouldn't it be amazing if the board meetings were FULL every time? This is your opportunity to be involved, be "in the know" and learn how to influence how your community grows, how improvements can be made, and how you can participate in the steps needed to MAKE IT HAPPEN.

As of January 2021, the Village of Elmwood requests that all utility bills be deposited in the new dropbox. 

Village 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 

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.

Here are some ideas that may be useful:

• Pasta
• Spaghetti sauce
• Canned soup
• Granola bars and snacks
• Fruit snacks
• 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.  

Online services are available on their Facebook page.

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

Even if they are subscribed to the local Stay in the Elmwood-Murdock Group, Facebook does not show ALL the content and you might miss out. 

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

Elmwood C Store
402-994-3305

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Area News    

Louisville Food Pantry
OPEN: every Thursday, 6:00-7:00pm
LOCATION: 304 Main Street, Louisville

Please come and pick up what you need for your household or a friend’s.
We have canned goods, boxed meals, breakfast items, frozen meats, bread, eggs, baking ingredients, cleaning supplies, personal care items, diapers, and wipes.

Dan Witte, PT, DPT, OCS
Witte Physical Therapy

Louisville Clinic
1268 E Henry St Ste 1
PO Box 68
Louisville, NE 68037
phone: 402.234.3333
fax: 844.272.6479

Plattsmouth Clinic
205 S 23rd St Ste 1
Plattsmouth, NE 68048
phone: 402.298.4747
fax: 844.272.6479

Hooper Clinic
111 Main St
Hooper, NE 68031
phone: 402.654.2121
fax: 844.272.6479
www.wittephysicaltherapy.com 

LOGO CASS COUNTY LONG TERM RECOVERY GROUP 1
If you are one of the lucky ones, you haven’t been adversely affected by the covid-19 pandemic, but we all know people that haven’t been so fortunate. Sadly, whole families are hurting right now, but there's good news. Local help is here to assist!

CASS COUNTY LONG-TERM RECOVERY GROUP

We want to assist those who are overwhelmed with these problems. We’ll help you to get the resources to speed-up the recovery process and get things back to normal again. However you must act soon, as funds are limited.

For more information and to fill out an application visit our website cassdisasterrecovery.org

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Case Manager, Darla, at casscnty.ltrgcm@gmail.com, or call our office, (402) 267-3165.

CORNHUSKER COUNTRY MUSIC THEATER

Saturday, May 15th, 7:30 pm, the PLUM-TUCKERED BAND will entertain young and old alike.

Admission $4; FREE for kids 13 and under!
Sunday, May 16th, our monthly jam session will commence starting at 1 pm.

Bring your instruments and join us for a fun afternoon!

Masks required unless you're performing on stage. FREE fun for all ages!
Our nonprofit theater is located at 211 Main, Louisville, NE.
Call 1-800-480-8797, ext 211, for updates.
Email us at cornhuskercountrymusic@gmail.com.
Like us on Facebook! 

Demolition of the old railroad bridge on Highway 1 in Murray started March 1st. One lane traffic is being electronically controlled, so please be patient at the lights when waiting, then driving through. Work is expected to continue through the summer months, so plan your travel accordingly. Be careful, watch for workers and machinery and make safety the priority.

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KCCB Annual Membership Drive

BECOME A MEMBER >> 

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May 8 - 15 online bidding

Bid online!