GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

The City of O'Neill water department is upgrading its water meters.  Water Department Personnel will be doing installation after hours and on weekends as weather permits. Personnel will be working north of Hynes Ave.

If you apply nitrogen fertilizer in the Upper Elkhorn NRD, you must receive nitrogen applicator certification once every 4 years.  Listed below are the training dates.  There is no fee for this class.  For additional information, please call the Upper Elkhorn NRD at 336-3867.

Upper Elkhorn Nitrogen Applicator Certification training will be offer on the following dates:

*Same date and /or location as Private or Pesticide Applicator training.

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How about going on a reading adventure -- are you game?  Stop by the Atkinson Public Library and pick up a reading challenge card, some new excellent reading material, and you will be all set to participate in the "Let it Snow" game.  Each reading card has nine squares for different categories such as: international or travel, non-fiction, award winner, or New York Times bestseller, classics, Nebraska author, and more!  Read a book from each category, fill in the title, and when your "Let It Snow" card is full bring it back to the library for a prize.  Attached to each game card is a sheet filled with possible authors and titles for most of the categories to help you find just what you are looking for.  These are just suggestions; you can find many more at the Atkinson Library -- come and check it out!!

The Goodwill truck is at Pamida is being picked up Wednesday afternoon instead of Thursday due to the predicted weather.

MARCH EVENTS!!

THURSDAY MARCH 11TH
The Wheeler County Home Rehabilitation Workshop that was scheduled for Thursday, March 11th at 6:30 p.m. at the Wheeler Central High School Media Center has been cancelled.  A meeting will be rescheduled at a later date.

FRIDAY MARCH 12TH

The Neligh Chamber of Commerce will be holding a Fish Fry on Friday, March 12th from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Neligh American Legion.

SATURDAY MARCH 13TH

The women at the Faith Wesleyan Church in Atkinson, Nebr. would like to invite all area women to Indulge yourself in God's Love.   A Chocolate Boutique will be held on March 13th at the Ministry Center on North Hwy. 20 from 1:00 to 5:00pm.   Registration begins at 12:45.   For Reservations please call the church at 925-2193.   Come taste and see that the Lord is good.

The CLUB in downtown Clearwater will be hosting RESURRECTION CELEBRATION on Saturday, March 13th at 7 p.m.  Anyone interested in Presenting a song of other form of Celebration is welcome to do so.  For more information please contact Bridget Scott at 402-485-2480.

Are you wanting to start a business and not quite sure how or where to start? Or are you just looking for a fun and informative way to spend your Saturday? Plan to attend the W.I.L.D. Business Expo & Craft Show. (W.I.L.D. stands for "What I Like to Do!") The Expo be held March 13 in the Neligh-Oakdale high school gym. Workshops will be held throughout the day in the smaller gym while craft and business vendors will be set up in the main gym. Due to the higher than anticipated number of vendor applications, cost for the entire day is just $3.00 and kids under 10 get in free. There will be food available so plan on spending the day. To discover more call the Antelope County Resource Center at 402-887-4447

SUNDAY MARCH 14TH

You are invited to come and watch an inspirational video called No Greater Love on Sunday, March 14th at 6:30 p.m. at the Word of Lift Christian Center.  There will be no admission charge and refreshments will be served afterwards.  The church is located 1 1/2 miles north of O'Neill on Hwy 281.  There will also be a free will offering.

First Christian Church in O'Neill will be hosting a gospel music concert on Sunday, March 14th at 7 p.m. by John Petersen of Tilden, Ne.  John is a musician who has chosen to use his abilities by traveling full-time as a gospel singer and evangelist.  The program will be inspiring and entertaining.  Recordings will be available and a Love offering accepted.

The Cleveland Camp Noon Luncheon & Pie Auction Fundraiser will take place on Sunday, March 14th at the Atkinson Community Center with serving starting at 11:30 a.m. and running until 3 p.m.  They will be serving hot ham & cheese and sloppy joes, potato salad & chips with dessert and coffee or tea.  The cost of the meal is $5.  The homemade pie auction will begin at 1 p.m. by Tasler Auction Service.  For more information please call Eileen Moss at 924-3923 or Eileen Osborne daytime at 336-2701 or evenings at 925-5137 or the Atkinson Presbyterian Church at 925-5348.

The St Boniface Parish Spring Benefit Auction will be held Sunday, March 14th, at the St Boniface Auditorium in Elgin, NE at 12:00 noon.  Doors and Lunch Stand will open at 11:00 a.m.

MONDAY MARCH 15TH THRU MONDAY MARCH 29TH

Come to the Art Show at the Atkinson Public Library from March 15th thru March 29th, featuring art work from K-8th graders from: Atkinson Elementary & Jr. High, St. Joseph School, Clover Cove, and Union School.  This event is sponsored by the Atkinson Friends of the Library.

MONDAY MARCH 15TH

There will be a Post Prom Meeting on Monday, March 15th at 7 p.m. in the Wheeler Central High School Media Center.

TUESDAY MARCH 16TH

Get your green on at Family Reading Night!  This year Family Reading Night is going green!  All families with students who attend O'Neill Elementary School are invited to participate on Tuesday, March 16th from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. for a fun night of going green with reading.  Students who attend may select one gently used book, make a bookmark from recycled items, and listen to some very entertaining readers.  Families will have a chance to win one of many themed baskets donated by teaching staff and affiliated organizations.  Door prizes following the reading hour.

There will be a Crop Scout Training for Pest Managers at UNL's Agricultural Research and Development Center near Mead on Tuesday, March 16th.  Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. and the workshop is from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Cost is $115 and the fee includes lunch, refreshment breaks, workshop materials and instruction manual.  You should preregister to reserve your seat and ensure that workshop materials are available the day of the training session.  Certified Crop Advisor continuing education credits are available with 4 in pest management, 1 in crop management, and .5 in fertility/nutrient management.

WEDNESDAY MARCH 17TH

North Central District Health Department will hold a free H1N1 flu vaccine Community clinic at the American Legion Post #172 in Neligh on Wednesday, March 17th and will operate from 4 to 6 p.m.  The American Legion Post is located at 115 West 3rd Street in Neligh.  The Health Department will offer the H1N1 flu vaccine free of charge to all people.  For more information please contact Peggy or Concey with NCDHD in O'Neill at 1-877-33-2406.

The Knox County Alcohol Awareness Coalition will meet on Wednesday, March 17th at 5:30 p.m. in the meeting room of the Creighton Area Hospital in Creighton.  Enter the hospital entrance that is the Cafe entrance and proceed straight ahead to the nurses station.  You will be directed to the meeting room from there.  All interested people are invited and encouraged to attend.  For more information contact Veta at 402-273-2406 or 1-877-336-3406.

THURSDAY MARCH 18TH

Singles will be playing cards at the O'Neill Eagles Club on Thursday, March 4th at 7 p.m.  No cost, just fun.  Come down and enjoy playing cards.  All singles are welcome.

The North Central District Health Department will hold a free H1N1 flu vaccine Community Clinic at the Atkinson Public Library located at 210 West State Street in Atkinson on Thursday, March 18th and will operate from 4 to 6 p.m.  The Health Department will offer the vaccine free of charge to all people.  For more information contact Peggy or Concey with NCDHD in O'Neill at 1-877-336-2406.

The Friends of the O'Neill Public Library will present Jerry Barlow playing the Celtic guitar in the Nebraska Room of the Blarney Stone Restaurant.  The concert begins at 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 18th.  Jerry is a warm accessible performer and storyteller whose repertoire is a synthesis of his own Celtic inspired compositions and the traditional music of the British Isles.  The concert is free and  open to the public.

FRIDAY MARCH 19TH

The Orchard Baseball/Softball Association is having a fish fry on Friday, March 19th at the Rex Theater in Orchard.  Serving will be from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. with proceeds going to the Baseball/Softball Program in Orchard.

FRIDAY MARCH 19 THROUGH SUNDAY MARCH 21

Ewing Public Schools will be holding an Elementary and Junior High Basketball tournament sponsored by Ewing High Schools Classes 2011 & 2012 on Friday, March 19 through Sunday March 21 at the Ewing Public Schools in Ewing.  There will be 4 divisions: 5th & 6th grade girls, 5th & 6th grade boys, 7th & 8th grade girls, and 7th & 8th grade boys.  Entry fee is $60 per team.  Contact Todd Bollwitt at 402-340-0643 or 402-626-7652 or Carm Thramer at 402-394-7293 or 402-626-7293 or 402-626-7235.

SATURDAY MARCH 20TH

The O'Neill Rotary Club is sponsoring the 31st running of the  Shamrock Fun Run on Saturday, March 20th at 10:30 a.m.  This year there are two new categories;  motorized wheelchairs and non-motorized wheelchairs, in the 2.5 mile category.  Entry forms are available at North Central District Health Department or can be downloaded at www.oneillrotary.org under downloads on their website or contact Cindy Cole at 336-1878.

Saturday, March 20th The Golden Prairie chapter of Pheasants Forever will be hosting its annual banquet at the American Legion Hall in Neligh, NE.  Doors will open at 5 p.m. and dinner will be at 7 p.m.  Cost is $50 for membership and meal; $20 Spouse and $15 Ringneck.  There will be a great meal, silent auction, live auction, and many raffles throughout the evening.  For more information or tickets contact Jennifer Blackburn Nielsen at 750-9931 or Lisa Hanson at 640-7465.

The Annual Lynch Smorgasbord will be held on Saturday, March 20th from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at the Lynch Community Hall.  Adults are $6 and K-6th are $3.  Preschool age get in free.  All proceeds go towards the up-keep of the hall.

The Bloomfield VFW Aux. is excited to invite you to the 2nd annual Spring Fling Bingo Party.  It will be held on Saturday, March 20th at the Bloomfield Community Center.  There will be a supper at 6:30 p.m. with Bingo to start at 7 p.m.  Play for your Easter turkey or ham.  Plus they will have a raffle for all the Easter fixings too.  All ages are welcome to attend.

As a part of O'Neill's St. Pat's Celebration there will be a Kids Carnival on Saturday, March 20th from 2 to 4 p.m. at the O'Neill Armory on North 4th Street.  Bring the kids in for a great time.  There will be horse rides, face painting and lots of other fun activities.  The Carnival is sponsored by CLASS, the O'Neill area homeschool group.

The Crusaders Gospel Band featuring some of the top gospel artists in the nation will be appearing at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Spencer on Saturday, March 20th at 7 p.m.  The Crusaders vocal group has a 44 year history with all original members.  Their unique style of southern gospel music attracts all ages.

SUNDAY MARCH 21ST

St. Peter Lutheran Church in Orchard is hold their Spring Smorgasbord on Sunday, March 21st. Serving Roast Beef, Turkey & Dressing, Polish Sausage & Kraut, Mashed Potatoes & Gravy, Green Beans, Corn, Buns, Salad Bar, Dessert Bar & Drinks from 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM.  Cost is Adults $7.50, Children ages 5-12 $4, and Under 4 Free.  Everyone is welcome.

Opera Omaha's Voices in the Community will present "It's a Grand Night for Singing" on Sunday, March 21st at 3 p.m. in the Plainview High School Auditorium.  Sponsored by the Plainview Arts Council with the support of the Nebraska Arts Council, the event is open to the public with tickets available at the door.  Plainview Arts Council members will be admitted free of charge.

WEDNESDAY MARCH 24TH

During Wednesday, March 24th Lenten Service at 7 p.m. at Christ Lutheran Church in O'Neill the Verdigre Men's Chorus will be performing.

THURSDAY MARCH 25TH

Singles will be playing cards at the O'Neill Eagles Club on Thursday, March 4th at 7 p.m.  No cost, just fun.  Come down and enjoy playing cards.  All singles are welcome.

THURSDAY MARCH 25TH AND SATURDAY MARCH 27TH

O'Neill Recreational Softball/Baseball Registration will take place on 2 days only!!  Thursday, March 25th from 5 to 8 p.m. and Saturday, March 27th from 9 a.m. to noon at the O'Neill Public Library.  Any questions please call Chuck Price at 336-4718 or 340-0494 and Tom Earley at 340-0011.

FRIDAY MARCH 26TH & SATURDAY MARCH 27TH
Pope John XXIII Central Catholic High School presents Cinderella (Enchanted Edition) on Friday and Saturday, March 26th and 27th, at 7:00 PM and a Sunday matinee at 2:00 PM in the St. Boniface Auditorium in Elgin.  Limited Reserved Seats only are sold in advance - $9 for all seats.  General Admission tickets purchased at the door - Adults $6 - Students K-12 $3.  Please contact the high school for more information, 402-843-5325

SATURDAY MARCH 27TH

The Creighton Area Chamber of Commerce will be hosting their annual Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, March 27th at 1 p.m. at the Creighton City Park.  Parents who have children who would like to participate in the Easter Egg hunt should meet in the parking lot east of the swimming pool.

FRIDAY MARCH 26TH THROUGH SUNDAY MARCH 28TH

St. Mary's Booster Club's 2010 Basketball Tourney for boys and girls grades 5-8 will be held Friday, March 26th through Sunday, March 28th.  There will be 4 divisions:  5th &6th grade boys on Friday, 5th & 6th grade girls on Saturday morning, 7th & 8th grade girls on Saturday afternoon, and  7th & 8th grade boys on Sunday.  For more information contact Steve Soukup at 340-3298 or email Julie Regan (julie.regan@pinnbank.com)  Sign up deadline is March 1st.

APRIL EVENTS!!

OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS

Living Through Grief Support Meetings will be held on Tuesday evenings starting November 17th and running through December 8th from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the O'Neill United Methodist Church at 404 Cedar Street.  To register for the group or for more information call 402-336-1883.

The Inman Public Library is now open!  Hours are Monday, Wednesday and Friday 3 PM to 5 PM.

What:  TOPS -- Take Off Pounds Sensibly Weight Loss Success with caring support and encouragement. Nonprofit, low-cost program
When:  Every Thursday Night * Weigh-in starts at 5:45 PM * Meeting starts at 6:15 PM
Where: St. Paul Lutheran Church - Chambers * Contacts:  Faye Wood at 482-5540 or Penny Bendorf at 482-5230

The O'Neill Foster Parent Support Group meets the second Monday of every month at the Counseling and Enrichment Center from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM at 118 N. 5th Street.  For more information, please call 336-4841.  Hosted by Building Blocks for Community Enrichment.

The Atkinson Food Pantry is open the first Monday of every month from 2 PM to5:30 PM at St. John's Lutheran Church in Atkinson.

The O'Neill Food Pantry will be open on Tuesdays & Thursdays from 8:30 AM to 4 PM. For an appointment, contact Michele at CNCS at 336-4298 Ext. 26.

The Holt County Historical Society is open regular hours from 10 AM to 4 PM Monday through Thursday.

Community Peer Tobacco Cessation Support Groups Meetings on Tuesday evenings from 6 PM to7 PM at Avera St Anthony's Hospital in O'Neill, Antelope Memorial Hospital in Neligh on Wednesdays at 7 PM to 8 PM, Osmond Hospital on Thursday evenings at 7 PM to 8 PM and at Creighton Area Health Services in Creighton every other Tuesday evening from 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM.  No pre-registration or cost to attend.

Foster parents have the ability to make a difference in a child's life. For more information or to sign up for Building Blocks For Community Enrichment's foster parent classes, contact Rachael Kalloff at 402-887-9000 or 402-394-5736.

Representatives from Good Will are available to come and talk about their organization and where the items and donations go. They will answer questions also. For more information, call Dorothy at 336-4193 or Good Will at (712) 258-4511.

The Neligh Support Group, sponsored by the Lincoln Greater NE Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association meets every Tuesday of the month at the Neligh Public Library at 5 PM. For more information, please contact Kathy or Bobbi at 402-887-5428.

KBR-Fibromyalgia Support Group will be having open meetings to the public on the first Thursday of each month at the United Methodist Church in Ainsworth. There will be two meetings. One will be at 1:30 PM and the other at 7 PM.