Murdock Nebraska News - February 18, 2026

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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. 

BOARD MEETING MINUTES
VILLAGE OF MURDOCK
FEBRUARY 3, 2026

The Village of Murdock Board of Trustees met on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at 7 p.m. at the Village Hall. Roll call as follows; Lee Towle, Michelle Chesnut, Tom Miner, Justin Holub and clerk were present. Vacancy - Open

The minutes from the previous January regular meeting were read. Motion was made by Holub and seconded by Chesnut to approve the January meeting minutes, and the motion carried unanimously by RCV.

The following checks were approved for payment: Windstream/Kinetic ph/int-580.12; OPPD elect. 1113.58; Cass Co. RWD#2 594,000 gals-3267.00; St of NE PHE Lab water test-15.00; Ashland Gazette/Column Software, PBC publishing – 301.04 Special meetings,Jan Mtg Minutes,Vacancy Notice; Faubion mileage/reg.wat.-211.77; R.Stroy payroll Jan.-1549.86 (Elect.payment); Ashland Disposal Service garbage-3102.22; Black Hills Energy-gas service-51.47; Zito Media-Internet-61.00; JEO construction services- Lagoon inspections-1780.00; NE Dept. of Revenue sales & use tax Jan.-94.92 (Elect. payment); Constellation gas utility service-349.79; R.Stroy-Village of Murdock-2nd Line/Service-49.23; (Elect.payment) Cass County Court-Burton Asphalt small claims filing fee-34.05(Elect.paymet); Cass County Court-Burton Asphalt small claims filing fee-32.25 (Elect. Payment); Amazon-printer paper-52.31 (Elect.payment); Corn Growers State Bank-2025 ACH fees-120.00; Microsoft software renewal-Village computer-137.14 (Elect.payment); R.Stroy-Civil Service fee-Burton Asphalt/Mileage Plattsmouth & York-257.70 (Elect.payment); Dana F. Cole & Co-Services rendered for yr end 9/0/25-1,700.00; Young & White law offices-Burton-Banking-877.50; Cass Co RWD#2 4th Qtr meter read-411.00; One Call Concepts-811 fees-10.23;
The following discussions/updates were held concerning old business.

Two Small Claims Court claims to Burton Asphalt were submitted to the County Court of Cass County, NE on Jan. 14th, 2026. These claims request the return of the two outstanding deposits written to Burton Asphalt on Mar. 11th, 2025. These will be served via York County, NE law enforcement. Mediation is required by law, before the court date of Mar. 12th, 2026 at 10am. Mediation has been scheduled on behalf of the Plaintiff (Village of Murdock); Defendant (Burton Asphalt) has not replied.
Just a reminder that if you are NOT using Auto-Debit / Auto-Pay for your town Utilities, the Village would like to encourage you with an incentive. If you would like to sign-up for this simple and easy service, forms will be available at the Post Office, and now at Corn Growers State Bank, or you can message the clerk at either 402-867-4034 or email her at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and she will be able to email you a form. To receive the incentive of $25 please sign up within 6 months, ending May 4th, 2026.

The open Board of Trustees position, vacated on Jan. 19th, 2026 by Nuss, was discussed. Nat Osthus attended the meeting and showed interest in the Board position. Miner nominated Nate Osthus to fulfill the balance of Nuss’s elected term, expiring December 2028. Towle made a motion to approve Nate Osthus for the open position and Holub seconded; Motion carried unanimously by RCV. Osthus then recited the oath of office and became an official member of the Village Board of Murdock.

Alleyways were the next topic. The specific alleyway near the Ebenezer United Methodist Church was discussed. Following discussion, the following Resolution was approved. Below is the resolution that was passed by a motion from Holub and second by Osthus. Approved by RCV. Michelle Chesnut - Abstained

Miner is working with the E-M Schools Superintendent. Miner has ordered a head unit in hopes that it will solve the problem. It will be installed once it arrives. Other solutions may be needed if this does not resolve the issue.

The lawsuit that was filed against the Village of Murdock has been dismissed.

Three bids have been received regarding the repair to several open sections of the streets in the Village. Josiah Graham with GreyStone Flatwork came in as the lowest bid and was awarded the contract to repair. Towle motioned to approve GreyStone Flatwork as the contractor, Holub seconded. Motion carried by RCV,
The homeowner that had concerns about the alleyway being to high against his property was looking into by Miner. The issue does not appear to be a problem with the alleyway drainage. Miner was to advise homeowner.

New Business:
The area that will need repaired at 4th & Colorado Streets will be addressed as soon as possible, weather permitting, by the property owner.
Holub advised that Snow fence removal is scheduled for Mar. 22nd at 1pm as the primary date of removal. Alternate date is Mar. 29th at 1pm is there is inclement weather or muddy fields.

The north shoulder of Waverly Road has been deteriorating and causing erosion to parts of the underside to the road. The responsibility to maintain the shoulder is the Village’s, according to the Superintendent of Roads in this area. Estimates will sought to repair this right of way. This is tabled until next month’s meeting.
One of the residents of Murdock asked permission to dispose of the rubbish that is behind the Town Hall. He will haul it away at his cost. The Board did not have a problem with that.

The city park shelter was discussed. Plans are being made to erect the shelter. Volunteers are requested for labor and the plan to possibly cement the area. More information will be provided as the process gets moving along.

Discussion moved on to possible looking into estimates on asphalting Nebraska St. Osthus will look into getting some estimates.
Michelle Chesnut brought to the Board her resignation letter, effective Feb. 3rd, 2026. 8:23pm. Holub made the motion to accept her resignation, Towle second. Approved by all via RCV.

The newly open Board of Trustees position, vacated on Feb. 3rd, 2026 by Chesnut, was discussed. Hannah Petersen attended the meeting and showed interest in the Board position. Miner nominated Hannah Petersen to fulfill the balance of Chesnut’s elected term, expiring December 2026. Towle made a motion to approve Hannah Petersen for the open position and Osthus seconded; Towle, Osthus approved. Holub apposed. Petersen then recited the oath of office and became an official member of the Village Board of Murdock.

There being no further business, the motion was made by Towle and second by Petersen that the meeting close and the next regular meeting will be Tuesday March 3rd, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. at the Murdock Village Hall, Motion carried unanimously by all members.

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 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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 

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

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Cass County 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 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and attach your nominations.

DO YOU NEED HELP with FOOD, HOUSING or OTHER EMERGENCY SERVICES?
SENCA (Southeast Nebraska Community Action) is HERE to HELP YOU!
https://www.senca.org/

To drop off donations or pick up food at the local food pantry, you need to make an appointment.

Monday - Friday
8am - 4:30 pm
Call or text for appointment, 402-297-7418

SENCA Cass County Outreach
First Presbyterian Church, lower level
701 Chicago Ave.
Plattsmouth, NE 68048

(Please enter the lower level on the north side of the church at the driveway directly across from Oakmont Drive, off of Chicago Avenue.)

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 www.OmahaRoofing.pro

Meet Adoptable Pets! >>

Check out new website at www.happypawsplattsmouth.org

And download foster application!

Happy Paws Plattsmouth is a volunteer-powered 501(c)(3) charitable organization serving Cass, Sarpy, and Douglas Counties
with one mission: to transform the lives of animals in need while enriching the families who welcome them home.

 Don't forget to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

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