Art Chicks - Under New Management!

Art Chicks will be open for Lunch

Saturday March 19th! 

Call 402-234-3669 for reservations or just drop in. 

Lunch will be served 11:30 - 1:30. 

Menu is a Spring Chicken Croissant, Spinich Salad, Glorious Georgia Tea and always a decadent dessert. 

Only 12.96!  Dancing is optional but dessert is mandatory.  See you there.  127 Main Street Louisivlle NE

New Art Chicks Website - Click Here

www.LouisvilleArtChicks.com

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Long awaited and anxiously anticipated

Louisville Community Fish Fry

at the Louisville Volunteer Fire & Rescue

is scheduled for April 1st

Details are coming soon!

L.O.V.

Louisville Outstanding Volunteer


Award

These awards are being given by B.U.I.L.D. (Businesses United in Louisville Development) to Outstanding Volunteers in our community.  These individuals do so much for our town and get very little recognition for long hours of hard work that help make our community great!

The award categories are:

The Unsung Hero:  This person has silently volunteered their time to perform an act that has helped our community or individual in our community.

The Lifetime Achievement Award:  This person has been in our community for a majority of their lifetime and has contributed throughout their life to making Louisville a great place to live.

Outstanding School Volunteer:  This person volunteers countless hours to our school and helps make the school a better place to be.

Business Person of the Year:  This person owns or works at a business in Louisville and through that business encourages Louisville volunteerism and community growth.

L.O.V.  Award:  This is an all encompassing award that should go to a person that volunteers for numerous activities and is the person you can always count on to never say NO when you need someone to help out.

Recipients of these awards will be honored at a dinner on Tuesday, April 12, 2011. Anyone interested in attending the dinner should call Dee at the city office for tickets (234-7705.)$10 each.

CLICK HERE TO PRINT THE FORM!

Or SUBMIT ONLINE NOW

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NEBRASKA CONVERSATIONS
COMMUNITY DISCUSSION PROPOSAL FORM
To be considered for participation in the Nebraska Humanities Council’s civil discussion program, an eligible organization is strongly encouraged to submit a proposal form at least 60 days before the proposed meeting date.  NHC staff is happy to discuss your ideas and answer questions in advance and applicants should consult with staff prior to submitting the form.  Contact Mary at (402) 474-2131, ext 103 or mary@nebraskahumanities.org.  Less than a 60-day window may be considered with prior staff approval.

Sponsoring organization name:

Sponsoring organization mailing address:

Project coordinator name:

Project coordinator phone number and email:

The project coordinator is (check one) ____ on staff at the organization  ____ a volunteer.

What is the issue or topic your organization is interested in exploring with the community?

What do you see as the primary points of view that are relevant to this issue or topic?  Are there areas of contention on the issue?

If available, provide background such as newspaper articles to help NHC understand the issue.

Describe why the community needs this opportunity and how the community will benefit from the discussion.  Why is this topic important for this community to discuss?

What do you hope to achieve from this discussion. Goals should be compatible with NHC goals as defined in the RFP.  What will be the impact of the discussion?

List any other community organizations that you anticipate will be involved in the project.  How will their participation be solicited?

When would you like to hold this community meeting? (Please allow two weeks for notification from NHC plus additional weeks for planning and preparation.)

Based on your experience in the community, how many participants do you anticipate will attend?

Describe your vision for the discussion using the following considerations as guidelines.  

MEETING PLAN

Among the important elements of a successful discussion are comfortable and neutral space and amenities.

Consider these elements and how they are conducive to a positive discussion experience:
Meeting location
Parking availability
Room set-up description
Seating arrangement
Refreshments
Name badges and/or table tents
Handouts—notepads & pens, special materials, etc.
Documentation—will you have someone take photos, keep time, record salient points, etc?

Describe your vision of the meeting:


FACILITATION PLAN

A skilled facilitator is arguably the most essential component to a successful civil discussion and should be able and prepared to do some or all of the following:  
Welcome and orient—carefully make opening comments, clearly define discussion objectives, and review rules/guidelines
Introduce the topic
Keep everyone on task, on the agenda, and on time
Remind participants to observe discussion rules as needed
Ensure equal participation—be sure no one dominates the conversation and encourage quiet ones to share
Raise important questions that are not raised by participants (a list of important questions may be provided by the applicant, NHC and/or the facilitator)
Remain balanced
Make participants feel comfortable with discussion

Make sure all points of view are raised and discussed
Draw people into discussion
Guide expanded thought on comments
Be prepared to ask pertinent, leading questions to encourage exploration of nuances and complexities
Summarize—restate highlights—encourage final reflection by participants—encourage completion of online evaluation

Identify three open-ended questions to promote discussion:
(1)
(2)
(3)

NHC will provide a balanced facilitator for your discussion.  If required by the format selected for your discussion, multiple facilitators may be required.

If you have a possible facilitator in mind, please identify him/her and his/her qualifications.  The NHC reserves the right to qualify a suggested facilitator.    

(Optional) Proposed facilitator name and credentials including past facilitation experience and/or facilitation training:

PRESENTATION PLAN

Presentation of multiple points of view or areas of contention is essential to giving attendees a common understanding.  Presentation of points of view is possible in a number of ways including individuals presenting their own points of view, individuals representing points of view that are not necessarily their own, recorded presentations, speakers, readings, etc.  If you have possible presenter(s) or a presentation format in mind, please identify them.  NHC reserves the right to qualify suggested presenters.  If you do not have possible presenters or a presentation format in mind, NHC will work with you to accomplish that.

Describe your vision for presenting various points of view:

If presentation is planned through media such as video, reading, etc., identify any specific materials you have in mind:

What technology will be needed?  Consider voice amplification, audio/visual, telephone/Internet connection, flip charts, clickers, etc.:

The proposed site has the technology available
The sponsoring organization has access to the needed technology
The technology will need to be rented

PUBLICITY/INVITATION/RECRUITMENT PLAN

It is essential to a good discussion that you attract and engage an audience representing all viewpoints. Keep in mind that the secret to strong attendance is probably inviting people.  

Identify any stakeholders who can help to promote attendance and ensure outreach to people who aren’t normally reached by your organization:

Do you plan a by-invitation meeting, a generally advertised meeting, or both?

If invitations, how far in advance of the meeting do you plan to send invitations?

Will invitations be sent by mail, by email, via social media or mixed?

How will you decide whom to invite?

NHC is especially interested in encouraging participation and perspectives of teenagers and young adults.  Describe any plans you have for inviting or otherwise encouraging youth participation.

If you plan to publicize the meeting, how far in advance do you plan to publicize?

In which of these will you publicize:
Newspapers
Community newsletters
Online community calendars
Organization newsletters
Other (please describe) ________________________________


If you’ll advertise through fliers or posters, where do you plan to post them?

Will you use this as an opportunity to invite several civic groups to meet together?

Do you anticipate that your publicity/invitation plan will result in representation of all points of view?

How will you assure that participation comes from a cross-section of the community?

Identify a mechanism for publicizing results of the meeting to the community-at-large:


By signing below, the applicant agrees to the following:

If the proposal is accepted, applicant will agree to:
Work with NHC to meet objectives, this may include conference calls and/or meetings
Provide meeting site and food (stipend provided by NHC)
Invite attendees and otherwise publicize as agreed to in the proposal
Identify a mechanism to share results with the community-at-large
Submit a report to NHC at the conclusion of the project
Other items as needed to achieve the stated purpose of the project and agreed to by NHC and the applicant

If the proposal is accepted, NHC will agree to:
Provide a discussion facilitator(s) and presenter(s) as needed
Work with applicant including consulting on topics, approaches and representative points of view
Provide stipend for meeting materials, space rental, and food
Provide templates for fliers, invitations, etc.
Provide additional invitation list

Provide an evaluation mechanism with input from applicant in an effort to measure outcomes
Collect and summarize participant evaluations via Web survey tool
Share summary information with sponsoring organization, governmental bodies, community-at-large, funders, etc., as appropriate

____________________________________________                 _____________________
Signature of sponsoring organization representative        Date

____________________________________________        _____________________
Signature of project coordinator                    Date

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GETTING READY TO PLANT A HOME ORCHARD?

Learn about producing fruit from your own trees.  Vaughn Hammond, University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension Educator with expertise in Specialty Crops, will teach an Extension workshop on Thursday, March 17, covering cultivation practices for apples, peaches, apricots, pears, plums and cherries.  This workshop was originally scheduled for February 24 but had to be cancelled because of the snow.  Discussion will include where to obtain trees, variety selection, planting and care.
The workshop will be held at the Cass County Extension building located on the Cass County Fairgrounds, 8400 144th Street, Weeping Water (the intersection of Hwy 1 and 144th Street) at 7:00 p.m. on the 17th.  A $10 per person registration fee will be collected at the door.  Pre-registration is requested for handout materials, but walk-ins are welcome.  Call the Cass County Extension office at 402-267-2205 to register; voice messages can be left outside of office hours, M-F, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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2011 AT THE LOFTE THEATRE --

Here is the schedule for the year:

“Leaving Iowa” performances on May 28, 29, June 3-5, 9-12. It is described as a laugh-out-loud comedy about Don Browning, a middle-aged writer who returns home and decides to finally take his father’s ashes to his childhood home.
“Annie” performances on July 22-24, 28-31 and Aug 4-7. The popular comic strip heroine takes the center stage in one of the world’s best-loved musicals.
“Cliffhanger” performances are Sept 3, 4, 9-11 & 15-18. Mingling suspense and humor, this thriller follows Henry Lowenthal, a mild-mannered professor of philosophy who is looking forward to being appointed to an endowed chair so he and his wife can enjoy their golden years with honor and dignity. But their plans are given a rude jolt.
“Don’t Dress for Dinner” performances are Oct 15, 16, 21-23 and 27-30. Bernard is planning a weekend with his chic mistress in a farmhouse. His plan is foolproof; what could possibly go wrong?
“A Christmas Survival Guide” performances are Dec 3, 4, 9-11, and 15-18. This intimate revue takes a wry and knowing look at a stressful season.
---The remaining special events schedule for The Lofte this year:
“Nebraska Association of Community Theaters Festival” March 18-20. Community theaters from all over the states of Nebraska and Missouri compete in a two-day one-act play competition.
“Missoula Children’s Theater – Pinocchio” June 18th 3pm & 6pm.  Two directors from Missoula Montana will work with 60 local children during a week of rehearsals.
The “Veterans Day Salute” is at 2pm on November 13th.
More information is available at www.lofte.com. The ticket office number is 234-2553.

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Help us thank our 2010 Democratic Candidates at a "Roast for Those Who Ran"

Featuring: Ivy Harper, Mike Meister, Tom White, and Vince Powers as MC

Saturday, March 19, 2011

6:00 pm - Reception and cash bar

7:00 pm  - Dinner and Program


The Exposition Center on the Cass County Fairgrounds

132nd St. and Highway 1, north of Weeping Water


Tickets:  $25/individual, $40/couple

May be purchased at:  http://www.actblue.com/page/casscountyroast/

Or purchased directly from many Cass County Democrats.


Call (402) 434-2180

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Louisville Kindergarten Get-Together  2011

Louisville Public Schools will host its annual Kindergarten Parent Orientation Thursday, March 24 at 7:00 pm in the elementary computer lab and Kindergarten Get-Together Friday, March 25 in the kindergarten rooms.  All children who will be five years of age on or before October 15, 2011 are eligible for enrollment in kindergarten for the 2011-2012 school year.

Letters about the orientation and get-together will be sent out to all parents of children who are presently recorded on the school census as being old enough to enter kindergarten in August.  If anyone in the community is aware of any parents who have children who will be entering kindergarten, are new to the district or who did not receive letter are encouraged to contact the Louisville Elementary office at 234-4215.

Thank you

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TRACK SEASON BEGINS

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2011!!

To read more about Louisville Lion SPORTS ACTION,

visit

www.louisvillelions.com

Photos and stories courtesy of Mike Krambeck and Krambeck Photography.

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2011

City of Louisville

NEWS and UPCOMING DATES:

(courtesy of the January 2011 newsletter that was included in the city bill envelope)

**  Thanks to everyone who complied with regulations regarding snow and for keeping your sidewalks clear! 

Thank you to the city road crews for snow removal!  They've definitely been working overtime this winter season!)

** The city's annual PET CLINIC will be held April 2, 2011 from 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. at the fir station. 

Get your pets licensed and vaccinated all at the same time. 

** The fire/rescue departments are having FISH FRIES this Lenten season.  Dates will be announced!

** Fire Auxiliary Plant Sale-- Saturday, May 7th at the Fire Hall

** B.U.I.L.D. is looking for nominations for the annual LOV awards! 

Please take the time to honor those that do so much for our community!

** Waste Management is here EVERY Wednesday for trash and recycle pick-up!

** SPRING CLEAN-UP is scheduled for May 7, 2011 at the corner of 3rd and Walnut.  More information to come! 

** Don't forget that you do need a building permit (required for fences, porches, patios, home additions, swimming pools, accessory structures, retaining walls, remodeling, electrical and plumbing and location of curb cuts and sidewalks).

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2011 DATES TO REMEMBER:

Pet Clinic -- April 2

Spring Clean-up Day -- May 7

Summer Clean-up Day -- August 6

Fall Clean-up Day -- November 12

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FEDERAL PROGRAMS

PROVIDE FARM AND RANCH

RISK MANAGEMENT PROTECTION

LINCOLN, NE (February 8, 2011) - “Farmers and ranchers need to make sure they meet requirements under the Non-Insured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) and crop insurance programs by the 2011 sales closing date of March15, 2011,” noted Nebraska Farm Service Agency Director Dan Steinkruger. “The Livestock Forage Program (LFP) provides pasture loss payments for drought using the Drought Monitor and currently the Nebraska Drought Monitor reflects a lot of the state as Abnormally Dry, or in D1 drought.”
Livestock Forage Program (LFP) benefits may be earned by producers of eligible livestock for drought losses to grazing land that is native or improved pastureland. To qualify, the drought intensity during the grazing period as ranked by the U.S. Drought Monitor must reach the D2 or greater intensity for a specific time. Grazing acres incurring a loss must have either crop insurance (policy or plan issued under the Federal Crop Insurance Act) or Non-Insured Crop Disaster Assistance (NAP) coverage in order to qualify for Livestock Forage Program benefits on those acres.
The Supplemental Revenue Assistance Program (SURE) provides benefits for crop losses. It is revenue based, and accounts for losses in production quantity and quality, as well as decreases in price. The Emergency Livestock Assistance Program (ELAP) provides emergency relief to producers of livestock, honey bees, and farm-raised fish due to grazing losses, feed losses, and additional costs incurred, or death losses to honey bees or farm-raised fish which are caused by an eligible adverse weather event. To meet risk management eligibility for SURE and ELAP, producers must obtain either crop insurance coverage at the catastrophic (CAT) level or higher, or Non-insured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) coverage from FSA for all crops on all farms in all counties in which they have an interest.
Steinkruger added, “Farmers, ranchers, and landowners should review their 2011 drought protection before the March15 deadline with their local FSA Office staff.”

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The Nebraska Arborists Association (NAA) Great Plains Tree Conference is set for February 28 & March 1, 2011 at the Lincoln Embassy Suites. This year’s Conference, “Wild Times for Nebraska Trees,” will feature a day and a half of education and fun for all attendees. Five hours of NAA CEUs are available for the first day, and three CEUs are available for the second day of the conference. (NAA has also applied for ISA credits.). Don’t miss this opportunity to network, establish new business contacts, and receive cutting edge information on tree care!
Speakers this year include: Guy Sternberg, author of Native Trees for North American Landscapes and a tree consultant for the City of Springfield, Illinois, will be the keynote speaker for the 2011 Conference. In addition, there will be presentations from Mark Widrlechner, Steve Rasmussen, Dan Mekkes, Dr. Whitney Cranshaw, Jack Phillips, Dr. Mark Harrell and Keith Lucas, and a panel discussion on “Nebraska Trees - Challenges and Opportunities for Care.”
For more information and registration details please visit www.nearborists.org ###

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NEWS RELEASE FROM IANR, UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA

-- UNL Extension Offers Crop Scout Training in March

Feb. 14, 2011

UNL Extension Offers Crop Scout Training in March

LINCOLN, Neb. -- Crop scouts will learn how to better manage corn and soybean pests during a University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension Crop Scout Training for Pest Managers program March 16.

The training provides in-depth and detailed information from university specialists.

Registration begins at 8:30 a.m., and the workshop is from 9 a.m-5 p.m at the university's Agricultural Research and Development Center near Mead.

Cost is $120. Fees include lunch, refreshment breaks, workshop materials and instruction manual. Registrants should preregister to reserve their seat and to ensure workshop materials are available the day of the training session. Updated reference materials are included in this year's take- home instruction manual.

Topics include: how corn and soybean plants grow and develop; soybean and corn insect management; insect quiz; identifying weeds -- plant morphology; using a key to identify weed seedlings; crop diseases and quiz; and nutrient deficiencies.

Certified Crop Advisor continuing education credits are available with 4 in pest management, 1 in crop management and .5 in fertility/nutrient management.

For more information or to register, contact UNL Extension at (402) 624-8030, (800) 529-8030, e-mail Keith Glewen at kglewen1@unl.edu, or online at  http://ardc.unl.edu/training

The celebration of Nebraska 4-H Month continues here in Cass County

2011 Community Sustaining Sponsor

Become part of the celebration by joining 4-H.  Click on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension banner ad on this community website page to connect with our website and find out more about 4-H fun in Cass County!

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click here for virtual tour

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