Louisville Community Newsletter #751

•••March 18th, 2020•••

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Louisville Care Center is restricting all visitors

CORONAVIRUS HEALTH ALERT

We are NOT allowing visitors at this time. We deeply care about the safety of our residents and staff.
Please, use other methods of communication to connect with your loved ones.

Thank you!

Call #402-234-2125 for questions, concerns or emergencies

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Secretary of State Evnen Informs Voters of Mail-in Ballot Options

LINCOLN- Nebraska voters are able to request a mail-in ballot by filing out an application found online or by contacting their County Election Commissioner or County Clerk.  April 6 marks the first day for counties to mail ballots requested by voters.

May 1 is the last day for voters to request a mail-in ballot to be mailed to them.  Ballots must be received in the county election office by close of primary election polls on May 12.

“All Nebraska voters are able to request a mail-in ballot for Nebraska elections,” stated Secretary Evnen. For an online application or additional information, visit the Secretary of State website at https://sos.nebraska.gov/elections/early-voting

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Ms. Cindi Allen

Assistant Secretary of State

Secretary of State Robert Evnen

1221 N Street Suite 103 | Lincoln, NE 68508

Cindi.allen@nebraska.gov | 402-471-8408

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OPPD office closings

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE       

For additional information:                                                                                                                                                                                                

Jodi Baker, OPPD: 531-226-3592                                                                                                                                                                                               

Tracey Christensen, M.U.D.: 402-378-4486

March 17, 2020

OPPD and M.U.D. temporarily closing customer service offices

The well-being of our customers and our employees is a top priority for Omaha Public Power District and Metropolitan Utilities District. Both utilities want to minimize person-to-person contact and the risk of the transmission of coronavirus (COVID-19).

For this reason, the utilities are closing their joint customer service office at Energy Plaza, 444 South 16^th Street (Omaha), beginning today, until further notice. OPPD’s rural offices are closed, as well.

This move was not made lightly. We greatly value being able to interact with our customers face-to-face. However, the safety of our customers and employees must take precedence at this time. A healthy workforce will enable us to keep reliable power and clean tap water flowing.

Bill payment

OPPD offers alternative payment methods. These include making payments online, via the OPPDConnect app, or by calling 402-536-4131 in the Omaha area or 1-877-536-4131.

M.U.D. also offers a variety of payment options. These include making online payments via MyAccount, or by calling 402-554-6666 (toll-free 1-800-732-5864) and using the automated system.

Another option for customers who typically make cash payments is to mail a cashier’s check to the utility or drop off at our joint payment drop box.

Suspension of disconnections

Both utilities have also announced the suspension of disconnections due to non-payment. OPPD’s moratorium will be in effect through April 30, at which point they will re-evaluate the moratorium. The district wants to ensure customers have electricity now, when they need it most, with more people working from home and caring for children who are out of school.

M.U.D. will not disconnect water services due to non-payment until further notice. This is to ensure customers have access to tap water for drinking, cooking and thorough hygiene practices such as hand washing, bathing and cleaning.

Both utilities urge customers to reach out if they have questions or need financial assistance. Customer care representatives will work to get you connected with the proper resources.

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Red Cross Blood Shortage

American Red Cross faces severe blood shortage as coronavirus outbreak threatens availability of nation’s supply

Nearly 2,700 Red Cross blood drives have been canceled across the country due to coronavirus concerns, resulting in some 86,000 fewer blood donations

OMAHA, Neb. (March 17, 2020) – The American Red Cross now faces a severe blood shortage due to an unprecedented number of blood drive cancellations in response to the coronavirus outbreak. Healthy individuals are needed now to donate to help patients counting on lifesaving blood.

Individuals can schedule an appointment to give blood with the Red Cross by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, calling 1-800-RED-CROSS or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.

As the coronavirus pandemic has grown here in the U.S., blood drive cancellations have grown at an alarming rate. To date, nearly 2,700 Red Cross blood drives have been canceled across the country due to concerns about congregating at workplaces, college campuses and schools amidst the coronavirus outbreak. These cancellations have resulted in some 86,000 fewer blood donations. More than 80% of the blood the Red Cross collects comes from drives held at locations of this type.

Here in the Nebraska-Iowa Region, 11 blood drives have been canceled, resulting in 386 fewer blood donations. The Red Cross is adding appointment slots at donation centers and expanding capacity at many community blood drives across the country over the next few weeks to ensure ample opportunities for donors to give.

Volunteer donors are the only source of blood for those in need

The Red Cross expects the number of cancellations to continue to increase, which is causing heightened concern for blood collection organizations and hospitals across the country. This blood shortage could impact patients who need surgery, victims of car accidents and other emergencies, or patients suffering from cancer.

“I am looking at the refrigerator that contains only one day’s supply of blood for the hospital,” said Dr. Robertson Davenport, director of transfusion medicine at Michigan Medicine in Ann Arbor. “The hospital is full. There are patients who need blood and cannot wait.”

“In our experience, the American public comes together to support those in need during times of shortage and that support is needed now more than ever during this unprecedented public health crisis,” said Chris Hrouda, president, Red Cross Biomedical Services. “Unfortunately, when people stop donating blood, it forces doctors to make hard choices about patient care, which is why we need those who are healthy and well to roll up a sleeve and give the gift of life.”

The Red Cross is committed to blood drive safety

“We know that people want to help, but they may be hesitant to visit a blood drive during this time. We want to assure the public that blood donation is a safe process, and we have put additional precautions in place at our blood drives and donation centers to protect all who come out,” said Hrouda.

The Red Cross has implemented new measures to ensure blood drives and donation centers are even safer for our donors and staff, including:

• Checking the temperature of staff and donors before entering a drive to make sure they are healthy.
• Providing hand sanitizer for use before the drive, as well as throughout the donation process.
• Spacing beds, where possible, to follow social distancing practices between blood donors.
• Increasing enhanced disinfecting of surfaces and equipment.

At each blood drive and donation center, Red Cross employees already follow thorough safety protocols to help prevent the spread of any type of infection, including:

• Wearing gloves and changing gloves with each donor.
• Routinely wiping down donor-touched areas.
• Using sterile collection sets for every donation.
• Preparing the arm for donation with an aseptic scrub.

There is no data or evidence that this coronavirus can be transmitted by blood transfusion, and there have been no reported cases of transfusion transmission for any respiratory virus including this coronavirus worldwide.

“Volunteer donors are the unsung heroes for patients in need of lifesaving blood transfusions. If you are healthy, feeling well and eligible to give, please schedule an appointment to give now,” added Hrouda.

Blood donation process

To donate blood, individuals need to bring a blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification that are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also must meet certain height and weight requirements.

Donors can also save up to 15 minutes at the blood drive by completing a RapidPass®. With RapidPass®, donors complete the pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of donation, from a mobile device or computer. To complete a RapidPass®, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

Samantha Pollard | External Communications Manager
Biomedical Field Marketing and Communications
American Red Cross Blood Services
402-321-3576
samantha.pollard2@redcross.org

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Bring the family for a fun night of LIVE entertainment!  Come to dance or just sit back and enjoy the music!

'UPCOMING SHOWS' :

Canceled Saturday, March 21, Rayne McGill & Friends, 7:30 pm

Saturday, April 4, Nebraska Country Roads with Elaine Behrends, 7:30 pm

Sunday, April 5, COUNTRY GOSPEL SHOW, 2 pm

Saturday, April 18, Plum Tuckered Band, 7:30

JAM SESSIONS:

Sunday, April 19, (due to Easter Sunday on 2nd Sunday), 1 pm

For updates call 1-800-480-8797, ext. 211 or drop us an email at cornhuskercountrymusic@gmail.com.

Cornhusker Country Music Theater, 211 Main St, Louisville, NE, is a nonprofit, 501 c 3, organization
Like us on Facebook @ Cornhusker Country Music Theater.

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Louisville School Bond Overview

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Louisville Community Poster - Download (Click Here)

(download and post this Poster, Text a Picture of it to 402-968-0821 - get $1 via PayPal - limit 1)

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Click Here to Sign Up for the Wednesday Morning Louisville Newsletter

Office of State Treasurer John Murante

For Immediate Release

March 4, 2020

Treasurer’s Unclaimed Property Tabloid to be Published in Nebraska Newspapers

(Lincoln, NE) Treasurer John Murante announced today the 2020 Unclaimed Property Annual Report will be published in 16 Nebraska newspapers in the coming weeks, beginning March 8 in the Omaha World-Herald and the Scottsbluff Star-Herald.

“I encourage Nebraskans to check the Unclaimed Property Report for their own names and the names of their businesses, as well as the names of family members and friends. We may have property you are entitled to, and we want to get you your money,” Murante said.

“While the Unclaimed Property Report is a valuable way for the public to find out about any holdings they may be unaware of, I want to encourage everyone to check out our online database at www.NebraskaLostCash.gov, which is constantly updated.”

The 2020 Tabloid represents $22,786,778 in new unclaimed property reported since last year’s publication. The report will be published as a 28-page tabloid insert in 16 Nebraska newspapers, as required by State Statute, according to the following schedule:

Sunday, March 8:                     Omaha World Herald

                                                Scottsbluff Star-Herald

Friday, March 20:                     Holdrege Citizen

                                                McCook Gazette

Saturday, March 21:                 Beatrice Daily Sun

                                                Columbus Telegram

                                                Fremont Tribune

                                                Hastings Tribune

                                                Kearney Hub

                                                Norfolk Daily News

                                                York News-Times

Sunday, March 22:                   Grand Island Independent

                                                Lincoln Journal Star

                                                North Platte Telegraph

Wednesday, March 25:             Alliance Times-Herald

                                                Sidney Sun-Telegraph

The Nebraska Treasurer’s Unclaimed Property Division returned $13,663,918 in unclaimed property and paid 17,786 claims in 2019, up from 16,932 claims in 2018.

NEST 529 Supports “Big Dreams” With $40K Giveaway

Eight Young Winners to Each Receive a $5,000 NEST 529 Account Contribution

Lincoln, Neb. (January 2, 2020)— Nebraska State Treasurer John Murante and First National Bank of Omaha today announced the NEST 529 Big Dreams $40K Giveaway. Open nationwide to children 10 years old or younger, eight randomly-selected winners will each receive a $5,000 NEST 529 College Savings Plan account contribution. Entries can be submitted online or by mail from January 1, 2020 through March 31, 2020.

“As families across the country save for their dreams of higher education, it is with great pride that we provide the tools, resources and support to help turn those dreams into a reality,” said Nebraska State Treasurer John Murante. “Among these resources, scholarships such as the Big Dreams $40K Giveaway are the perfect opportunity to bolster winners’ savings while encouraging all who enter to envision and nurture their loved ones’ bright academic future.”

An annual contest, this year NEST 529 has doubled the Big Dreams giveaway prize to a total of $40,000. Since 2015, NEST 529 has awarded more than $100,000 in Big Dreams scholarship contributions.

“At NEST 529, we are driven and inspired by our Account Owners’ dreams for their loved ones’ higher education goals. We work diligently to be the best possible partner on their savings journey, and we are delighted to continue raising the bar with the Big Dreams $40K Giveaway,” said Deborah Goodkin, Managing Director, Savings Plans, First National Bank of Omaha. “It is our great pleasure to supplement our Account Owners’ contributions and to help inspire dialogue surrounding college savings for families nationwide.”

For full details and to enter the giveaway, visit NEST529.com/BigDreamsGiveaway. More information is also available at NEST529.com or treasurer.nebraska.gov.

About NEST 529
NEST 529 is a tax-advantaged 529 college savings plan and provides four plans to help make saving for college simple and affordable: NEST Direct College Savings Plan, NEST Advisor College Savings Plan, TD Ameritrade 529 College Savings Plan, and State Farm 529 Savings Plan. The Nebraska State Treasurer serves as Program Trustee. First National Bank of Omaha serves as Program Manager, and all investments are approved by the Nebraska Investment Council. Families nationwide are saving for college using Nebraska’s 529 College Savings Plans, which have more than 275,000 accounts, including over 89,000 in Nebraska. Visit NEST529.com and treasurer.nebraska.gov for more information.

About First National Bank of Omaha
First National Bank is a subsidiary of First National of Nebraska. First National and its affiliates have more than $23 billion in assets and 5,000 employee associates. Primary banking offices are located in Nebraska, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, South Dakota and Texas.

Investments Are Not FDIC Insured* · No Bank, State or Federal Guarantee · May Lose Value
*Except the Bank Savings Investment Option

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www.gpsold.com

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TEXT DIET to 72727  or Click Here

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3B Homestead from Murdock, who brought to us the “Living Nativity” last Christmas, will be hosting a “Journey to the Cross” event to help us celebrate the real meaning of Easter.  This will be a free, family-friendly  event with adorable animals, hands on activities, and stories to help us understand the last days of Jesus’ life here on earth. For  times and dates, see the flyer.

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Updated COVID-19 Information

CAUTION: This email originated from outside your organization. Exercise caution when opening attachments or clicking links, especially from unknown senders.

Law Enforcement, EMs, Schools, Elected Officials –

I apologize for the mass email and yet I find that ensuring you all have up-to-date information is key. Below is a outline of the most recent information that has come down from CDC to help limit the spread of COVID-19 in the U.S. As of right now we only have one confirmed case in Cass County within our jurisdiction and yet I fully expect that to change and for more cases to be identified within the Department’s jurisdiction and across the Omaha Metro Area.

Latest News from CDC and/or State of Nebraska DHHS:

-          CDC has declared that worldwide, including many states in the U.S., community transmission is occurring. This week Nebraska confirmed its first case of community transmission. Our neighbor to the east, Iowa, is also beginning to identify community transmission.

-           Multiple large-scale exposure events have been identified in Omaha and Sarpy County (Gretna Walmart – March 5^th – 10 am – 8 pm), which raise concerns about additional community transmission regionally and possibly statewide.

-          CDC is recommending that for the next 8 weeks, organizers cancel or postpone in-person events that consist of 50 people or more.

o   Nebraska Public Health recommendations will also go one step further when community spread is documented to say community gatherings should be limited to 20-25.

-          All returning travelers have an increased risk of exposure to COVID-19 and therefore should limit public interactions, practice strict social-distancing, and self-monitor for symptoms (cough, shortness of breath, fever greater than 100.4).

o   If a returning traveler develops fever or respiratory illness, they need to IMMEDIATELY self-isolate and report to a provider or to our Department.

-          Travelers that are returning from CDC level 3 locations and domestic travel to areas where there is documented widespread sustained transmission (Seattle, Westchester County, NY, Santa Clara County CA,) are at increased risk and of special concern. These individuals should self-quarantine for 15 days and immediate report symptoms to consistent with COVID-19 to their health care provider. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html

-          With the number of cities that have documented widespread sustained transmission changing frequently public health has a call today to discuss this greater detail. I will keep you informed on this as it evolves.

That is what I have for now – please let me know what other questions you have or how the Department can support you in your work - sarah

Sarah Schram, MS RD

Director

Sarpy/Cass Health Department

701 Olson Drive #101

Papillion, NE 68046

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2020 Community Sustaining Sponsor