Weather Advisory
At 0600 Thursday we will have flurries, NW winds gusting to 40 to 45 mph, blowing and drifting snow, and windchills of -30 to -40. At these chill temps exposed flesh can freeze in as little as 10 minutes. Thursday we will continue to experience strong NW winds, and blowing and drifting snow making travel very hazardous.
By Friday we will continue with extremely cold below zero temps but less wind.
Union's Snow Removal
Due to the Village of Union's current financial situation, the streets will only be snow plowed when there is at least 4 inches of accumulated snow. This policy is effecitve until further notice. More information on Union's snow removal services comming soon.
** Garbage Notice **
Due to the incliment weather, the garbage service provider, Allied, is requesting that garbage that is normally collected in alley ways be wheeled out onto a paved road. If your garbage is normally picked up on a gravel alley, it needs to be brought onto the street in order for the garbage truck to collect it.
Cass County is Going Green!
Cass County anticipates receiving an $111,557 Litter Reduction and Recycling Grant from the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality for its county-operated recycling program. The program will involve collaboration between county government and the various communities (including the Village of Union!) orchestrated by the Green Team.
The county will buy five recycling trailers and place them in different communities, rotating the location of each trailer on a weekly basis. Each community will help by hauling the trailer by pick-up truck and transporting it to an off-loading site and delivering the trailer to another community at the end of the week. The county plans to set up a public calendar for residents to view the locations of the trailers. Ideally, at least one trailer should be within a reasonable driving distance for all residents at all times.
Union is Going Green . . .
Really Green!
Not only is Union going to participate in Cass County's recycling program, (discussed above) but Union hopes to expand on the efforts by applying for a grant to provide individual recycling bins for every residence in the Village. These individual recycling bins would make recycling extremely convenient for all residents, as recyclable items can be collected throughout the month at home (no need for sorting!!) and then transferred to the recycling trailer when it is in town. There will be a calendar printed indicating where the recycling trailers will be at all times. Union will have the trailer at least one week per month starting in March; however, even when the trailer is not in Union it will be in nearby communities. Other convenient sites include: Murray, Nehawka, Beaver Lake, Avoca. Please look for more information coming soon on how you can help Union "go green."
Stray Cat Update
On December 30th, seven of Union's stray cats were trapped and taken to Hearts United for Animals in Auburn, NE to be spayed/neutered, tested and vaccinated for contagious disease. Unfortunately, one of the seven cats was positive for Feline Aids and euthanized as a result. Feline AIDS is extremely contagious and there is no vaccine to protect other cats from contracting it.
In order to prevent the spread of Feline Aids and other deadly diseases, as well as to control the stray pet population, local volunteers will continue trapping cats to receive testing, vaccinations, and sterilization. If you are interested in donating time or money to help treat more cats, or adopting a cat after it receives medical attention, please call Mindy @ 402-890-8287 or email editor@unionnebraska.com. A big "thank you" goes out to those who helped trap and transport cats this month and also those who have volunteered to help next month!
Help Union Succeed in the Nebraska Community
Improvement Project Leadership Challenge!
Thank you to those of you who have committed to participate in Union's NCIP Leadership Challenge sponsored by the Nebraska Department of Economic Development! However, still more people are needed become involved to help Union be successful!
The Nebraska Department of Economic Development is looking for a diverse group of citizens to work together in order to better the Village of Union through the training, planning and implementation of at least one community improvement project. People of all ages, backgrounds and experience levels are needed to work together to make a difference. Additionally, residents who have not been involved locally before are strongly encouraged to participate, as this is a great opportunity to have new voices heard.
If you have ever had concerns or ideas regarding our Village, this is your chance to make a difference! Please contact Mindy at 402-890-8287 or editor@unionnebraska.com for more information and to receive your booklet!
Thanks for reading this week! Please send me your news, events, photos, etc. to include in the online and/or print Union newsletter. Additionally, please contact me if you are interested in advertising on Union's website. This is a great opportunity to support a community endeavor as well as get your name out to local residents as well as neighboring communities!