First Congregational United Church of Christ
Opens Time Capsule
More than 100 people joined together on Sunday, March 7th to witness the opening of a 140 year old time capsule discovered in the foundation of the Public Library (the former Congregational Church). U.S. Senator Ben Nelson and State Senator Dave Pankonin were present for this historic event as well as several newspaper and television reporters.
The contents of the box were revealed during a service filled with prayer, music, history, and excitement. Inside the badly deteriorated time capsule was a Bible, a hymnal, a list of former church members, and pieces of two newspapers.
The members of the Congregational Church are gathering items to put into a new time capsule to be placed in a secure area of the new foundation of the Public Library. Hopefully this box will fare better than the previous one!
U.S. Senator Ben Nelson
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ATTENTION ALL WEEPING WATER
PUBLIC SCHOOL ALUMNI!!
The Weeping Water Alumni Association is requesting your help. They are in the process of compiling a complete list of addresses and e-mail addresses (if possible) of every graduate of Weeping Water Public School. So look through your phone, blackberry, planner, address book, Facebook account, or any other place that you may have information about your friends and former classmates and forward that information to Kim (Sisson) (Schreiner) Kastens at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. This information helps the Alumni Association contact our alumni concerning the yearly Alumni Banquet (always held on the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend) and other important events at the school.
Please remember, the cost of mailing this information to our alumni has increased tremendously recently and any donations would be greatly appreciated! If you have any questions, please e-mail Kim Kastens at the address listed above. Thank you for your help!
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WEEPING WATER SPORTS
Weeping Water High School and Junior High Basketball is done for the year as well as Senior High Wrestling--but don't worry Junior High Wrestling, golf and track are just around the corner! Stay tuned for upcoming reports of our school's spring teams and their accomplishments.
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WEEPING WATER LIBRARY'S NEW WEBSITE
The Weeping Water library has a new website! This new site has general information for the library as well as any special activities that have been planned for the community.
Go to www.weepingwaternebraska.com and mouse Over Community, then click on Library.
Check it out!
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CITY OF WEEPING WATER
SUMMER EMPLOYMENT POSITIONS AVAILABLE
POOL MANAGER, ASSISTANT MANAGER & LIFEGUARDS
Job Requirements: Current Lifeguard Certification
Manager/Assistant Manager also require Manager Certification
BALLPARK MANAGER & PARK MAINTENANCE
Must be 16, possess valid driver's license and be able to operate equipment for lawn care and/or ball field prep.
Salaries based on qualifications
For Additional information or to obtain an application, contact
City Clerk, P.O. Box 329, Weeping Water, NE 68463
402-267-5152
Application Deadline: March 5, 2010
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Update on Recycling for Weeping Water
The "Cass County Going Green" program continues to move forward in its recycling efforts. As part of a recycling and litter reduction grant received, communities participating in the county wide program will be provided with recycling trailers on a scheduled basis.
The trailer will be located in Weeping Water at 104 South East Street (directly across the street from the Weeping Water Express Lanes on the following dates:
Saturday, March 6 -Friday March 12
Saturday, March 27 -Friday, April 2
Saturday, April 17 -Friday, April 23
Saturday, May 1 -Friday May 7
Saturday, May 22 -Friday, May 28
Saturday, June 12 -Friday June 18
Saturday, July 3 -Friday July 9
Saturday, Aug 7 -Friday Aug 13
Saturday, Aug 28 -Friday Sept 3
Saturday, Sept 18 -Friday, Sept 24
Saturday, Oct 2 -Friday, Oct 8
Saturday, Oct 23 -Friday, Oct 29
Saturday, Nov 13 -Friday, Nov 19
Saturday, Dec 11 -Friday, Dec 17
Trailers will close at Noon on Fridays or whenever full.
To learn more about the Cass County Recycling Program go to http://www.cassne.org/.
What can I recycle?
A lot more than you think!
All Clean Paper
- Magazines
- Newspapers
- Detergent boxes
- Paperback books
- Catalogues
- Cereal boxes
- Greeting cards
- School paper
- Phonebooks
- Junk mail - including envelopes with plastic windows!
- Wrapping paper
- Paper egg cartons
- Cardboard boxes
Containers
- Aluminum cans and steel (tin cans)
- Empty aerosol cans
- Empty and dry paint cans
- Plastic bottles marked PETE (1)
-
- Soda bottles
- Cooking oil
- Mouthwash
- Shampoo
- Cleaners
- Plastic bottles, tubs, or snap top containers marked HDPE (2)
- Milk and juice bottles
- Cleaners
- Other food items
- Hard plastic packaging and plastic bottles marked V (3)
- Packaging for small electronics (must be cut open)
- Plastic bottles, cups, tubs, or snap top containers marked PP (5)
- Dairy case items
- Food containers
- Reusable/disposable food storage containers
- v NOT recyclable-Glass is currently not recyclable in our community
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FISH FRY
Pollock and Carp
Chicken Gizzards & Livers
Friday, March 12, 2010
5:30 p.m.
$7.00 per person
American Legion
Carryout Available
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Ladies~ Start your bonnets!
Louisville's Coop de Ville will celebrate Easter with their annual Easter
Bonnet Parade & Contest on Saturday, March 27th. Register your bonnet
between 9:00 - 10:00 AM at Louisville Art Gallery on 3rd & Main Street.
Parade begins at 10:15.
Wear a bonnet of your own design and on the day of the Parade you'll receive
20% off your entire purchase at Coop De Ville & Feathers.
Need something to jump start your creativity?
We've posted photos of previous bonnets on our blog:
coopandfeathers.blogspot.com
Call 402.234.2717 with any questions
On facebook? Become a fan of coop de ville & feathers
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Are you thinking Spring? Flowers? Fresh Veggies?
Then help support the Louisville Fireman's Auxiliary raise money by attending our plant sale.
We are raising money to help with scholarships and other things we do.
Plants are locally grown in Fremont, from Janet's Jungle.
We are taking pre-orders till April 19th
You can contact for an order sheet or questions:
Candy McClun 234.4995
Teri McClun 234.4161
Plants will be available for pick up May 1st at the Fire Hall from 9am-3pm.
If you don't pre-order you can still stop by and check them out as we will have plants that day for you to purchase.
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Some Important Bills Don't Earn Headlines
March 5, 2010, Lincoln - Only a few of the bills that are introduced in the Legislature generate media coverage. This means that the majority of Nebraskans seldom, if ever, hear about most of the new laws that are enacted. Some of the laws in question have little direct impact on the lives of our citizens, but others create changes that deserve to be brought to the attention of everyone in our state.
LB 216 was passed last month to allow a family member injured in a car accident, in which a relative was driving, to have their medical expenses covered by the driver's auto insurance policy. LB 216 eliminated the "guest statute" which protected drivers from liability for injuries to passengers if they were family members, unless the driver committed gross negligence or was under the influence of alcohol.
Several constituents voiced support for a bill to move back the eligibility date for children to start kindergarten. Under LB 1006, which is ready for the final round of debate, children would be eligible if they are five years old by July 31st instead of the current cut-off date of October 15th. An exception would be included for children who turn five between August 1 and October 15, if they perform well on a kindergarten assessment tool. These changes would begin in the 2012-13 school year. Under the current cut-off date, teachers reported a wide age range in their classes, with differences as much as 18 months to two and a half years. This age range can mean that some children are mature enough to thrive in today's academically focused kindergarten classes, and some are not. LB 1006 would create a more even experience for young children as they begin their K-12 education.
A lien is used to provide security to a party who has an interest in a parcel of real property. Once placed on the title to the property, the lien must be paid before the property can be transferred to another party. This ensures that the lien holder will be paid for their interest in the property. Nebraska's current law provides rules for establishing and prioritizing liens for condominium homeowners associations, but there are no provisions that address the same procedures for other types of homeowners associations, such as a townhouse owners association or an individual family residence homeowners association. LB 736 would establish provisions for all types of homeowners associations that are identical to those that already exist for condominium homeowners associations. The legislature passed LB 736 in late February. The bill included an emergency clause, so it will become law as soon as it is signed by the governor.
Neighbors would be required to construct and maintain a just proportion of a division fence under LB 667. The term "just proportion" would mean an equitable allocation of the portion of the fence line to be physically built and cared for by each landowner, or in lieu of the actual work, a financial contribution for construction and maintainence made by either landowner. LB 667 would clarify that the fencing standard to which landowners would be held, unless they agree to a different standard, is a wire fence. As defined in our current law, a wire fence is consistent with widely understood and used fence standards.
LB 226 expanded some rights for 18-year-olds. The bill would allow them to enter into contracts or leases, or consent to medical treatment, if a parent or guardian gives consent through a power of attorney. LB 226 is waiting to be signed by the governor. The bill's emergency clause will allow the new law to take effect immediately and grant to Nebraska's
18-year-olds new rights that will be consistent with those found in the majority of the other states in this country.
The Nebraska Litter Reduction and Recycling Act was scheduled to end on October 30, 2010. LB 798 will extend the termination date to October 30, 2015. The extension will also extend the litter fee collection used for litter and recycling programs.
I appreciate the opportunity you have given me to represent District 2 in the Nebraska Legislature.
We welcome your contacts by mail, phone or email.
Senator Dave Pankonin
State Capitol
PO Box 94604
Lincoln, NE 68509
(402) 471-2613
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Louisville Volunteer Fire & Rescue Fish Fry
March 26th Louisville Fire Hall 5pm to 8pm
Suggested Donations:
All You Can Eat: $8 Single Serve: $6 Children 12 and under: $5
***Plate Includes: Fish or Hot Dog, Fries, Coleslaw, Desert and Drink***
All proceeds go towards the purchase of equipment for the department!!!
The Old Avoca (Nebraska) Schoolhouse
The Old Avoca (Nebraska) Schoolhouse will celebrate the seventeenth annual Play-the-Recorder Month in March by offering a Beginning Recorder Workshop on Saturday, March 13, from 1 PM - 3 PM. Deborah Greenblatt, Master Artist with the Nebraska Arts Council, and member of the American Recorder Society, will lead the workshop. Pre-registration is required, and enrollment is limited. The $30.00 fee includes an instruction book, and a soprano recorder. Pre-registration is required, and enrollment is limited. For more information, call 402-275-3221, or send an e-mail to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Founded in 1939, the American Recorder Society is celebrating 70 years of service to its members and constituents--all recorder players including amateurs to leading professionals, students to teachers. It has some 130 chapters and consorts in the U.S. and Canada, where its membership base is over 2200, plus 130 members in 28 other countries.
Play-the-Recorder Month grew out of an event staged as part of an "ARS 50" anniversary celebration, during which members all over the world played a recorder piece simultaneously on April 1, 1989. Play-the-Recorder Day was first officially held in 1992, and then expanded to Play-the-Recorder Month the following year.
The ARS office in St. Louis, Mo, may be contacted at 314966-4082, or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , or through the ARS web site, www.AmericanRecorder.org
Greenblatt & Seay's Schoolhouse Performance Series features a concert of Irish music on Sunday, March 14, at 2:30 PM. Greenblatt & Seay & Friends will be singing and playing a variety of instruments, including fiddle, pennywhistle, guitar, hammered dulcimer, and banjo. Traditional Irish tunes will be featured, along with some Greenblatt & Seay originals inspired by the great Irish traditions.
Greenblatt & Seay have been playing and singing together since the night they met, decades ago. Their performance on March 8 will include the championship fiddling styles of Deborah Greenblatt, and the fancy whistle-playing of David Seay.
The concert will be followed by light refreshments, and a chance to chat and even jam with the performers. Avoca is in southern Cass County, Nebraska, on the 13 C Spur, one mile south of Highway 34. Admission is $5.00 for adults, and $1.00 for children and students. For more information, write to Greenblatt & Seay, The Old Schoolhouse, P.O. Box 671, Avoca, Nebraska, 68307, or call 402-275-3221, or e-mail them at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
The historic Old Avoca Schoolhouse was built in 1925, and has been the home of the Schoolhouse Performance Series since 1990. Music lessons, workshops, fiddle camps, and field trips are offered by Schoolhouse residents, Greenblatt & Seay, and are available by appointment.
For folks who have never played a fiddle or violin, and are brave enough to try, come to the Schoolhouse Fiddle Workshop for Folks Who Have Never Fiddled. Championship fiddler and fiddle book author, Deborah Greenblatt, will share some hints about beginning fiddling, shopping for a fiddle, reading music, playing by ear, etc. Fiddles will be available for participants to play, and source lists and advice for further study will be provided. The Workshop takes place on Saturday, April 3, 2009, 1 PM - 3 PM, in the Old Avoca Schoolhouse, Avoca, Nebraska. Pre-registration is required, enrollement is limted, and there is a $20.00 fee. For more information, call 402-275-3221, or send an e-mail to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Registration is now open for the 2010 Schoolhouse Fiddle Camps, in the Old Avoca Schoolhouse, in Avoca, Nebraska. Deborah Greenblatt, championship fiddler, author of many fiddle collections, will help the campers get in touch with their inner fiddler. The course of study during the Schoolhouse Fiddle Camp will be designed specifically for the individual campers who sign up.
Fiddle Camp for Beginners is Monday, June 14 - Friday, June 18. This camp includes some of the basics and fun of fiddling, such as performing in public, practice techniques, reading music, playing by ear, and jamming. Fiddling styles include bluegrass, Cajun, Irish, Klezmer, old-time, and newly composed tunes by the campers. Movement and singing are included in the experience.
Fiddle Camp for Intermediate/Advanced Fiddlers is Monday, July 12 - Friday, July 16, 2010. Campers will discuss picking tunes for contests, performing in public, practice techniques, reading music, playing by ear, playing for dancers, back-up fiddling, arranging twin fiddle pieces , and jamming. Many fiddling styles will be represented, including original compositions by the campers.
Each day is scheduled from 9 AM - 1 PM. Registration is available on line at http://www.greenblattandseay.com/.
For more information, contact Deborah Greenblatt at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
The Schoolhouse Performance Series on April 11, at 2:30, in Avoca, Nebraska, presents a family show suitable for all ages. Greenblatt & Seay's musical presentation, "Songs of the Sea and Other Watery Tales", features a variety of water inspired songs while accompanying themselves on penny whistles, recorders, harmonica, banjo, guitar, folk harp, musical saw, and rain stick. There are songs about oceans, rivers, a canal, a bath tub, and even a dripping faucet.
Greenblatt & Seay, Master Artists with the Nebraska Arts Council, have over 30 years of experience performing on many different musical instruments for audiences of all ages.
The concert will be followed by light refreshments, and a chance to chat and even jam with Debby. Avoca is in southern Cass County, Nebraska, on the 13 C Spur, one mile south of Highway 34. Admission is $5.00 for adults, and $1.00 for children and students. For more information, write to Greenblatt & Seay, The Old Schoolhouse, P.O. Box 671, Avoca, Nebraska, 68307, or call 402-275-3221, or e-mail them at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
The historic Old Avoca Schoolhouse was built in 1925, and has been the home of the Schoolhouse Performance Series since 1990. Music lessons, workshops, fiddle camps, and field trips are offered by Schoolhouse residents, Greenblatt & Seay, and are available by appointment.
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Community Lenten and Holy Week Services
The 1rst Christian Disciples of Christ and the United Methodist Churches of Louisville are holding their second anual Community Lenten and Holy Week Services. As we enter the time of Lent, we are mindful of the economic hardships many are going through as well as the new threat of terrorism striking within the United States. People are searching for meaning in life as well as hope and comfort and you are invited to join us as we follow Jesus to the cross. Jesus lived in difficult times while He was on earth. he understands our struggles, but brings us hope in the Gospel message. Each Service begins at 7PM
Here are the dates and places:
February 17th: 1rst Christian Church (Ash Wednesday)
February 24th : United Methosist Church
March 3rd : 1rst Christian Church
March 10: United Methodist Church
March 17: 1rst Christian Church
March 24: Untied Methodist Church
Holy Week:
April 1: United Methodist Church: Seder Meal with Communion
April 2: Good Friday (Meet outside Fire Station for the Cross Walk.) If unable to walk, wait @ Christian Church)
First Christian Church - Disciples of Christ
304 Main St. PO Box 473 Louisville, NE. 68037
Phone: 402 - 234 - 2130 Pastor Cathy Stander: 402 - 677 - 9606
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Otoe County Rural Schools Reunion
When:Saturday, April 10 2010
Where:Harmony School
6265 'Q' Road
Nebraska City, NE 68410
On April 10th, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, the Otoe County Genealogical Society will host its 1st Annual Otoe County Rural Schools Reunion at Harmony School at 6265 'Q' Road, which is located 8 miles south of Nebraska City on Highway 75, and ½ mile west on ‘Q' road. Harmony School is a rural schoolhouse that was built in 1879, and was closed in 1997. This reunion will include a coffee social and tour of the 130-year old rural schoolhouse. In addition, it will also give visitors a chance to assist our society in identifying numerous unidentified rural schoolhouse photographs from several different school districts throughout the county. The society has come into possession of these prized photographs through their Otoe County Courthouse Clean-up Project, in which these photographs were donated to the society by the Otoe County Clerk's office, and through other generous donations as well. So please come join us at Harmony School and help us pay tribute to the outstanding contributions that these rural schoolhouses made in the education of our state's youth for the past 100 years now!
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"The Otoe County Genealogical Society will hold its next meeting on March 11th at 7:00 pm at the Otoe County Museum of Memories at 366 Poplar Street in Syracuse, Nebraska. During our meeting, OCGS co-founder, Linda Worrall, will cover reunion planning, and how to ensure that your family tree grows from this event as well! So if you're looking to host a reunion this summer, or just thinking about hosting one in the future, then please join us at the museum and receive a free reunion planner from Reunions.com. After the meeting, guests are also invited to search for information on their Otoe County ancestors in the museum's genealogical reference area. Our society meets on the second Thursday of every month at 7:00 pm, and our meeting location alternates every other month between the Morton-James Public Library in Nebraska City, and the Otoe County Museum of Memories in Syracuse. To learn more about the society, please check out our website, or contact the Morton-James Library for more information."
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The Omaha Lead and Healthy Homes Conference is March 15-16 at the University of Nebraska-Omaha Milo Bail Student Center. After March 8, registration will be $65/person. To register go to www.omahahealthykids.org. Highlights of the conference include presentations on National Lead Exposure and Violent Crime Research, Kim Dietrich, Ph.D. University of Cincinnati, Ruth Norton, Executive Director of Coalition to End Childhood Lead Poisoning, and UNL and UNMC faculty. The conference is a partnership of several organizations including the Extension in Douglas County and UNL Extension.
For more information contact the Cass County Extension office in Weeping Water at 267-2205, or e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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For the second year, Heritage Nebraska is recognizing the Fading Places and Hidden Treasures that have created the unique tapestry of our built environment, culture and landscapes. Heritage Nebraska needs your help to identify Fading Places and Hidden Treasures 2010 and make everyone aware of the dangers of losing some of these well-known places as well as the opportunities for sharing the lesser-known. This is your chance to help Nebraska celebrate its rich history. FADING PLACES 2010
Nebraska's endangered heritage.
They dot the Nebraska landscape. They are the abandoned or vacant barns, churches, schools, commercial buildings and other significant historic places. They are fading places, faced with demolition or continued neglect. They deserve a second chance, a shot at being preserved for future generations or saved through creative re-use. But it's more than places. It's Nebraska's irreplaceable cultural and natural heritage. Awareness and recognition of these fading places, histories and traditions may be our last best hope. Join Heritage Nebraska in sounding the alarm to galvanize preservation efforts and rally resources to save these one-of-a-kind threads in our historic tapestry.
HIIDEN TREASURES 2010
Worth seeing, doing and saving.
You know they're out there. The destinations that don't always show up on the websites or in the brochure racks, but are worthy of a visit: The events that tell the story of who we are; The celebration of our heritage; Places and things that offer an authentic experience celebrating dynamic downtowns, cultural diversity, historic architecture, unusual landscapes and a strong commitment to preservation and restoration of Nebraska's treasures.
HERE'S HOW YOU CAN HELP
Nomination forms below
Please take the time to fill one out. Answer the questions. Give as much information as you can. Pictures are helpful.
DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING IS APRIL 1, 2010
Mail, FAX or e-mail to the nomination forms to:
HERITAGE NEBRASKA PO BOX 22608 Lincoln, NE 68542-2608 | FAX 402-323-7349 | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
FADING PLACES Nomination Form [Deadline to submit April 1 ]
1. Name of Property:
2. Property Address: Street #: Street:
City: State: Zip Code:
3. Type of ownership: [ ] Public [ ] Private
4. Owner of Property:
5. Owner's Address: Street #: Street:
City: State: Zip Code:
6. Name of Nominator:
7. Nominator's Address: Street #: Street:
City: State: Zip Code:
Phone #: Email address:
8. Approximate Date property was constructed:
9. Property Status: [ ] Occupied [ ] Vacant [ ] Listed on the National Register
[ ] Local Historic Designation (state or city)
10. Condition of Property:
11. Why is this property historically significant? _______ What is threatening this property? [ ] Change of Ownership and Use [ ] Neglect
[ ] Inappropriate Use [ ] Expansion of adjacent Development [ ] Other
_______
12. How can the threat be eliminated?
13. Has the Owner of the property been contacted about this nomination? [ ] yes [ ] no
14. Is there any known opposition to the preservation of this property? [ ] yes [ ] no
15. Please enclose any additional information that may support this nomination: Enclosed: [ ] photographs [ ] articles [ ] other
Signature of Nominator:
Date:
Mail or FAX to Heritage Nebraska PO Box 22608 Lincoln 68542-2608 or 402-323-7349
or e mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
HIDDEN TREASURES Nomination Form [Deadline to submit April 1 ]
1. Name of Property:
2. Property Address: Street #: Street:
City: State: Zip Code:
3. Type of ownership: [ ] Public [ ] Private
Owner of Property:
Owner's Address: Street #: Street:
City: State: Zip Code:
Name of Nominator:
Nominator's Address: Street #: Street:
City: State: Zip Code:
Phone #: Email address:
Approximate Date property was constructed:
Property Status: [ ] Occupied [ ] Vacant [ ] Listed on the National Register
[ ] Local Historic Designation (state or city)
Why is this property historically significant? _______________________________________
What sets it apart from similar properties? ________________________________________
Has the Owner of the property been contacted about this nomination? [ ] yes [ ] no
Is there any known opposition to the nomination of this property? [ ] yes [ ] no
Please enclose any additional information that may support this nomination:
Enclosed: [ ] photographs [ ] articles [ ] other
Signature of Nominator:
Date:
Comments:
Mail or FAX to Heritage Nebraska PO Box 22608 Lincoln 68542-2608 or 402-323-7349
or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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2009 Hidden Treasures:
Downtown Fremont : There has been a Main Street Program in this National Historic Register District downtown since 1994. The downtown has finally come of age as a unique blend of historic buildings and modern businesses and entertainment.
Faling House, Cambridge B&B: Constructed from 1907 to 1910, the 10,000 square-foot house built by William Faling in Cambridge is now used as a bed-n-breakfast. The neoclassic -style house has been on the National Register since 199.
Hamilton Avenue Church in Hastings : A rare example of a church built [in 1904] by African-Americans in outstate Nebraska, still standing with minor alterations and still serving a Black congregation. Set apart by its historical significance.
Joslyn Castle in Omaha: George and Sarah Joslyn constructed one of Nebraska's greatest homes-a 35-room Scottish Baronial mansion atop a hill on Omaha's outskirts - in 1903.
The four-story house was completed at a cost of $250,000 in 11 months.
Olde Main Street Inn in Chadron : Built by the O'Hanlon family in 1890, the elegant Chadron House was adorned with Brussels and marble washstands in each room and has been run by three generations of innkeepers for more than 100 years
Neihardt State Historic Site in Bancroft : The house, built in 1880, was the boyhood home of Nebraska Poet Laureate John G. Neihardt from 1900-1921. The Neihardt Center is presently owned by the Nebraska State Historical Society.
Nicholas Street Historic District: This National Register District on the edge of North Downtown Omaha represents one of three patterns of industrial development along railroad lines and is home to Omaha's Hot Shops, 50 art studios, four art galleries and many exhibition spaces.
Prairie Loft Center for Outdoor Agricultural Learning: This farm [1894] near Hastings was once part of the state mental hospital. The barn, built around 1931, is now being used to teach agriculture appreciation, outdoor education, cultural traditions and natural resources.
Prospect Hill Cemetery and Caretaker Residence: Some of the most prominent people in the development of Omaha are buried among the 15,000 graves dating back to 1858. The caretaker's residence [1918] and surrounding land is a prominent part of Nebraska heritage.
2009 Fading Places: (12)
Archeological sites statewide : There are a number statewide and they are being threatened by unwise stewardship and downright deliberate acts of vandalism, neglect, inappropriate use and ignorance.
Aurora Apothecary and Knights of Pythias Hall: Another important building endangered in this Hamilton County seat community that has lost others to demolition and arson. The collapse of part of the roof of the Aurora Apothecary building has set back plans for the sale and rehab.
Boot Hill Cemetery and Camp Lookout in Sidney: Between 1868 and 1889, the cemetery played a significant role in the history of the "Old West" when Sidney was a major outpost for the U.S. Army and part of the Black Hills Gold Rush. Camp Lookout is definitely the oldest building in Sidney and perhaps the entire Panhandle.
Hastings Junior High School and endangered schools statewide: The facility [1917] was designed by Hastings architect C.W. Way and is one of five remaining structures of that type. Several elementary schools in the community are endangered as well. The story is repeated time and again across Nebraska as a tear-down mentality prevails.
Metz Hall in Elkhorn: Located on the "upper" Main Street, the wood building features a dance floor in a room highlighted by an inlaid wood ceiling. This turn-of-the Century structure reflects the grand era of brewing in Omaha when Metz, Krug, Willow Springs and Storz were the big four names in breweries. Metz Brewery closed because of the Prohibition in 1920.
Naval Ammunition Depot: The 48,000 acre Navy facility [1942 - 1966] located in Adams and Clay County was the largest in the US during World War II and produced a significant amount of ammunition for the armed forces. There were: 1,800 buildings and 1,500 concrete and earthen storage magazines, 200 permanent and numerous temporary buildings and barracks on site.
Oregon Trail Statewide: During the 1840s, travelers on their way west from Independence, Missouri, knew that the Oregon Trail provided the smoothest and most direct route to Independence Pass at the southern end of the Wind River Mountains in Wyoming. It followed the natural drainage systems of six rivers to reach the easiest crossing of the Continental Divide.
Pershing Auditorium West Wall Mural in Lincoln : The 140 ft by 38 ft mural designed by Omaha artists Leonard Thiessen and William Hammon is in need of repair. More than 763,000 pieces of tile, each cut one inch square and assembled in one foot by two foot sections in Cincinnati, Ohio, was assembled and installed based on numbers on the backs of each piece.
Rural schools statewide such as the Logan Valley District 16 School of Cedar County. The school north of Laurel was built in 1929-1930. The wooden building is one of many that dot the rural landscape of Nebraska and sit in various stages of neglect. Restoration is essential to keep this part of rural heritage alive.
Starke Round Barn: This unique property [1902-03] located near Red Cloud is the state's largest and one of the largest in the nation. The building is in fair condition but can only be maintained on a minimal basis due to lack of funds. The remote location and small population base make it essential to find a viable use for this and other oft-neglected barns.
Thorndike Hall in Cambridge: Thorndike Hall [1907-08] features an elaborately painted ceiling by Hansen and Willer. This is the place where Glen Miller played trombone [1924] for Cambridge native Tommy Watkins and his orchestra. Miller eventually broke off and started his own band and moved to California.
Webster Telephone Exchange Building: Safety engineers have said the old telephone building, one of the area's oldest landmarks, is in danger of collapsing. A lack of funding to maintain and upgrade the building which was designed by prominent architect Thomas Kimball is the biggest threat. A stabilization plan and an adaptive re-use plan for the facility have been done.
SAVED: Three Fading Places have either found new life or a reprieve since being listed in May 2009. They are:
Aurora Apothecary and Knights of Pythias Hall: The roof and the rear wall have been reconstructed. With the building stabilized, development plans can proceed when ready.
Boot Hill Cemetery and Camp Lookout in Sidney: The city has purchased Camp Lookout and cleanup of the property, a necessary first-step for stabilization, has begun.
Hastings Junior High School and endangered schools statewide: A Hastings contractor has purchased the building and is in the process of creating office space, meeting rooms and luxury condominiums while retaining the classic architecture of the outside of the building.
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Wed., Mar. 10:
- Steak & Pork Chop Dinner @ WW Congregational Church 5:00-8:00 p.m.
Thurs., Mar. 11:
- Jr. High Wrestling WW/Conestoga/Palmyra @ 4:15
Fri., Mar. 12:
- Fish Fry @ WW Legion Club @ 5:30 p.m.
Sat., Mar. 13:
- Jr. High Wrestling @ Ashland-Greenwood @ 1:30 p.m.
Please let me know if you have any news that you would like to feature in the weekly newsletter. I would love to include any events, news, and/or pictures for the community to enjoy.
Dawn Randall
Editor@WeepingWaterNebraska