Elmwood Nebraska News - February 18, 2026

Library Update School Info Village Office  Cass County News     

4 Good Reasons to Donate Blood

Monday, February 23rd

Elmwood Fire Hall 12 pm - 6 pm

1. Support FCCLA scholarship fund.

2. $20 E Gift Card

3. Free lunch after donating

4 Save up to three lives

Appointments can be made at www.redcrossblood.org or by calling Lisa Hynes at the Elmwood-Murdock High School. Several appointments are still available after 1:30 pm. There is a critical blood shortage. Be the type that gives. 

The 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! ❤️

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

Easy Library Links

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

ELMWOOD-MURDOCK FBLA CELEBRATES SUCCESS AT LOCAL BUSINESS COMPETITIONS

Congratulations to the following FBLA members on their awards at the UNK, UNL, and Peru State competitions over the past two weeks!
The Middle School chapter earned 1st place as a team overall at the UNK competition for earning the most awards and highest scores.Peru State College: Approximately 450 students from twenty-five schools from Nebraska, Iowa, Missouri, and Kansas competed in a variety of events, with first-place winners earning a $500 tuition scholarship to Peru State College.

UNK: Over 300 students competed in this contest, and UNL had 230 students from 18 schools competing.

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Teens from Elmwood Murdock Jr/Sr High School Take Nebraska State Varsity LifeSmarts Title
State Champs to Compete in National LifeSmarts Championship

Murdock, NE — Elmwood Murdock Jr/Sr High School captured the Nebraska Varsity LifeSmarts Championship by successfully fielding questions about real-life marketplace issues at Kearney, NE on December 2, 2025. The 2026 National LifeSmarts Championship will be held in Orlando, FL, April 15– 18, 2026.

LifeSmarts, a consumer education competition that challenges teens in grades 6-8 (Junior Varsity) and 9-12 (Varsity) about personal finance, health & safety, the environment, technology & workforce development, and consumer rights & responsibilities, is a program of the National Consumers League. In Nebraska, Chelsey Greene, Nebraska Department of Education, Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education runs the program.

Teens from across the state first competed online for a chance to advance to the in-person state finals held December 2, 2025 in Kearney.

“LifeSmarts participants in Nebraska have gained many of the consumer ‘smarts’ they’ll need to make it in the real world,” said Chelsey Greene, State LifeSmarts Coordinator. “We’re proud to have Elmwood Murdock Varsity represent us in the National LifeSmarts Championship.”

“LifeSmarts empowers students to think critically, avoid scams, make informed financial decisions, and confidently navigate the world around them,” said Cheryl Varnadoe, Program Director of the National LifeSmarts Program. “On behalf of the entire LifeSmarts team, thank you for being a part of our program and congratulations on your victory. We cannot wait to see your team shine in Orlando.”
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LifeSmarts: Learn it. Live it.
LifeSmarts is a program of the National Consumers League. State coordinators run the programs on a volunteer basis. For more information, visit https://LifeSmarts.org or email lifesmarts@nclnet.org.

The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America's pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org 

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Local Students Named to Dean’s Lists
Several Elmwood-Murdock graduates were named to Dean’s Lists for Fall 2025.
These colleges require students to complete 12 credit hours with a 3.5 grade-point average. Congratulations to these local students.
 Creighton University
Macy Howard

University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Tatum Backemeyer – Elmwood, NE
Bailey Frahm – Elmwood, NE
Laney Frahm – Elmwood, NE
Isabelle Halferty – Elmwood, NE
Katelyn Stewart – Elmwood, NE
Reagan VonRentzell – Elmwood, NE
Sela Rikli – Greenwood, NE
Easton Miller – Gretna, NE
Henry Coleman – Murdock, NE

University of Nebraska at Omaha
Lily Pope – Eagle, NE
Marion Day – Elmwood, NE
University of Nebraska-Kearney
Riley Rose – Murdock, NE
Nebraska Wesleyan University
Riley Wilson - Murdock, NE
Midland University
Averi Hogue- Elmwood, NE
Peru State College
Mia Rikli – Murdock, NE
Illinois State University
Nathan Miller, Chemistry
Metropolitan Community College
Nolan Stroy
This college requires students to complete 6 credit hours with a 3.5 grade-point
average to be named to the Dean’s List.
Southeast Community College
Emily Drake – Elmwood, NE
Charley Hanes – Elmwood, NE

Rowan Kastens – Elmwood, NE
Michael Hynes – Murdock, NE
Kaia Sacco Rhode – Murdock, NE
MeLissa Wilson – Murdock, NE

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

3B Homestead "Celebrate Easter"

The 3B Homestead, LLC

7603 298th Street, Murdock, NE 68407

Located on Highway 1 between Murdock and Elmwood, Nebraska

Website: http://www.3BHomestead.com

Email: 3BHomestead@gmail.com
Facebook: 3B Homestead

VENMO: @ThreeB-Homestead

Elmwood Rescue Squad Needs More Team Members

Is this you?  CLICK HERE to fill out an inquiry form and learn more.  

  Village Updates

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

Elmwood #LittleFreePantry

The Little Free Pantry is between Hufstader Chiropractor and the Elmwood Meat Market

Area News     

Congrats to this week's winner!

We are taking nominations for our next winner to be announced on 2/11/26.

Please use the link to our Google form to nominate:

https://forms.gle/tzhde6cPmjk1oWsG9

If you can't use the form please email dan@wittephysicaltherapy.com and attach your nominations. 

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

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