Dear Springfield Community,
Welcome to another edition of the Springfield Wednesday Newsletter!
Let's kick things off with a bit of entertainment! Last week, there was a mix-up involving two different Springfields and Trader Joe’s. A newspaper in Springfield, MO, mistakenly announced the arrival of a Trader Joe’s, only to retract the statement later. It was a humorous reminder that Springfield isn't the most common city name in the US—Franklin holds that title, followed by Clinton, Madison, and Washington in a three-way tie, according to the USPS.
Fun fact: There are currently 34 populated places named Springfield across 25 U.S. states, with five in Wisconsin alone! Plus, there are at least 36 Springfield Townships, including 11 in Ohio.
Stay tuned for more intriguing updates from our beloved Springfield!
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Chess Club: Join Us Every First Thursday of the Month!
The 2024–2025 preschool application opens on March 1 at 9:00 a.m. and the deadline is on March 29 at 4:00 p.m.
Save Lives: Blood Drive at Platteview High School - March 8th
Enchantment Unveiled: Beauty and the Beast Comes Alive at Platteview High School!
Tickets are now available for Beauty And The Beast on Friday, March 9, Saturday, March 10, and Sunday, March 11.
In the late 1970s, Neitzel Oil Company introduced Springfield to a groundbreaking service: the full-service car wash. Situated at the intersection of Main Street and Highway 50, this pioneering establishment transformed the landscape of automotive care in the area.
With Neitzel's Soft-Brush Car Wash, vehicle owners were offered a comprehensive solution for their cleaning needs. For just $.50, coupled with a minimum gas purchase of ten gallons, customers could indulge in a soft brush wash and wax—a revolutionary offering at the time.
This venture marked the inception of car wash services in Springfield, setting a new standard for convenience and maintenance in automotive care. Neitzel Oil Company's initiative not only enhanced the community's access to quality car care but also paved the way for future innovations in the industry.
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Heat the Streets Run & Walk for Warmth
Omaha Public Power District and Metropolitan Utilities District encourage you to give the gift of warmth and safety this holiday season by registering for the Heat the Streets Run & Walk for Warmth. Funds raised provide utility bill assistance for customers going through hard financial times.
Heat the Streets takes place March 2, 2024, at Zone 6 in Aksarben Village, 1911 S. 67th St. in Omaha. This is the 17th year Metropolitan Utilities District and Omaha Public Power District are hosting the event to raise money for utility assistance programs for customers struggling to pay their bills.
This year’s co-chairs are Jim Begley, vice chair of the M.U.D. Board of Directors, and his wife, Rebecca, and Matt Core, a member of the OPPD Board of Directors, and his wife, Katy.
Last year, M.U.D.’s HomeFund distributed $280,389 of bill assistance funding to 790 households in need. OPPD’s Energy Assistance Program distributed $319,987 in funding to 937 households in need.
Heat the Streets is the single largest fundraiser of the year for these programs. Last year the event raised $138,081. This year, the utilities have set a goal of registering at least 1,000 participants and raising at least $300,000.
Fundraising is especially critical right now, as a decrease in federal funding allotted to programs that help with utility bill assistance has put extra pressure on the utilities’ assistance programs.
The utilities host the run and walk during the winter to bring added attention to the struggle that so many face to keep their homes safe and warm. However, our customers’ needs are year-round. Unexpected events – a lost job, hospital stay, even car repairs – are a real hardship for those living paycheck to paycheck. Sometimes, just a little financial boost can make all the difference.
Funds raised are administered by Dollar Energy Fund Inc., a registered 501(c)(3), and then split between M.U.D.’s Home Fund and OPPD’s Energy Assistance Program to assist our customers living in Burt, Cass, Colfax, Dodge, Douglas, Johnson, Nemaha, Otoe, Pawnee, Richardson, Sarpy, Saunders, and Washington counties. All money raised is distributed through this local network.
Participation options, including a new 10k distance race path, and prices follow. The registration window opens on Nov. 24, with discounts for early birds who register before the end of the year.
Timed 10K
- $35 (Nov. 24 through Dec. 31)
- $40 (Jan. 1 through Feb. 28)
- $50 (Day-of registration)
Timed 5K
- $30 (Nov. 24 through Dec. 31)
- $35 (Jan. 1 through Feb 28)
- $45 (Day-of registration)
Untimed one-mile walk
Children 12 and under may register for free with a registered adult.
- $25 (Nov. 24 through Dec. 31)
- $30 (Jan. 1 through Feb. 28)
- $40 (Day-of registration)
Virtual run/walk
Participants may complete their choice on the path of their choice, such as a treadmill, in their neighborhoods or a local trail.
- $35 (Nov. 24 through Feb. 28)
Awards will be given to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place male and female runners in each of the following age divisions for the timed 5K and 10K events: 12 and under, 13-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+. (No awards for virtual participants.)
You do not have to participate in the run or walk to help the cause. Just visit HeatTheStreetsOmaha.com to donate and view sponsorship opportunities.
Both utilities urge any customers who are struggling with their bills to call their customer service representatives and talk through their options. For OPPD, that number is 402-536-4131 in the Omaha area. Outside of the metro, customers may call toll-free at 877-536-4131. M.U.D. customers should call 402-554-6666.
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HAPPENING NEARBY
CORNHUSKER COUNTRY MUSIC THEATER
211 Main Street
Louisville, NE
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Come on over and take a spin on our dance floor! This is a family-friendly venue, so bring the kids, too!
CORNHUSKER COUNTRY MUSIC THEATER
211 Main Street
Louisville, NE
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Bring your instruments, bring your voices, or just sit in and listen!
Let's get together and have a good time!
NEW! STARTING FEBRUARY 25, 2024
4th SUNDAYS EACH MONTH
FREE ACOUSTIC JAMS ONLY
1-4 PM
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Email for more information: cornhuskercountrymusic@gmail>.com,
or call Larry, at 1-402-949-0668.
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Community Curtain Call: A Season of Unforgettable Plays
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Louisville Food Bank
SHARE PLEASE - WE NEED MORE TO HELP SPREAD THE WORD!
Mark your calendars! Stop down and stock up. There is no scary process or forms to fill out. Just good people helping good people.
Open days (always 6:00-7:00 pm)
Inside Hopes Closet 213 Main Louisville
MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
Dates open! 6-7 pm
March 14, 28
April 11, 25
May 9, 23
June 13, 27
We strive to have the Food Bank open on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of each month, however holidays might change those dates.
Updates can be found here >>
Please come and pick up what you need for your household or a friend’s.
We have canned goods, boxed meals, breakfast items, frozen meats, bread, eggs, baking ingredients, cleaning supplies, personal care items, diapers, and wipes.
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Small towns are the backbone of America, where the heart of our country truly beats. In these close-knit communities, we find the strength of shared values, the warmth of genuine friendships, and the beauty of everyday life. As we embrace the end of February, let us celebrate the spirit of our small town, where every day holds the potential for extraordinary moments and lasting memories." - Unknown
Thank you to all Springfield E-Newsletter readers.
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