Ricketts stay home

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April 24, 2020

Media Contacts:

Taylor Gage, 402-471-1970

Justin Pinkerman, 402-471-1967

Media Release:

Gov. Ricketts Announces Upcoming Changes to Directed Health Measures, Deploys Additional Resources to Track Spread of Virus

Video from today’s briefing is available by clicking here.

LINCOLN – This afternoon, Governor Pete Ricketts announced upcoming changes that ease some restrictions on social gatherings and business operations in Nebraska as of May 4, 2020.

Maintaining the integrity of Nebraska’s health care system has been the State’s top consideration when making decisions about public health measures. Nebraska continues to have ample capacity to care for the state’s residents. As of April 24^th, 48% of hospital beds, 42% of ICU beds, and 74% of ventilators are available for use statewide.

Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) CEO Dannette R. Smith joined the Governor at today’s press briefing. She spoke about the State’s efforts to expand contact tracing to better track the spread of the virus.

Don Arp, Jr., Executive Director of the Nebraska Crime Commission, also participated in this afternoon’s media event. He shared news that the Crime Commission has received $4.3 million in a Department of Justice (DOJ) grant to respond to the public safety challenges posed by the outbreak of COVID-19.

Gov. Ricketts: Directed Health Measures (DHMs)

The current State DHM for Douglas County will be extended through May 3, 2020. The local DHMs from the Sarpy/Cass Health Department and the Douglas County Health Department will also be extended through May 3^rd.
The statewide closure until April 30^thof all beauty/nail salons, barber shops, massage therapy services, gentleman’s clubs, bottle clubs, indoor movie theatres, indoor theatres, and tattoo parlors/studios is extended to May 3^rd.

o That date will be extended further for some areas.

As of May 4, 2020 the State will have 19 separate DHMs, one for each local health department (LHD). They will be effective through May 31, 2020.

o Contact information for the state’s LHDs, along with a map of the LHDs, is available at dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Local-Health-Departments.aspx.

Gov. Ricketts: Statewide DHM Changes

Places of worship(churches, synagogues, mosques, temples, etc.)

o Places of worship will have relaxed DHM requirements statewide beginning on May 4^th.

o They will need to ensure six feet of separation between different household units.

o It will not be permissible to pass items among worshippers.

o A guidance document will be provided with the new DHMs to give instructions to faith communities on how to comply with the updated health measures.

Gov. Ricketts: Regional DHM Changes

Regional updates will apply to all of the following LHDs as of May 4, 2020:

o Douglas County Health Dept.

o Sarpy/Cass Dept. of Health

o East Central District Health Dept.

o Four Corners Health Dept.

o Loup Basin Public Health Dept.

o North Central District Health Dept.

o Northeast Nebraska Public Health Dept.

o Panhandle Public Health District

o Southeast District Health Dept.

o Southwest Nebraska Public Health District

Salons

o As of May 4^th, beauty/nail salons, barber shops, massage therapy services, and tattoo parlors/studios in the above LHDs will be permitted to open. These establishments will be added to the list of gatherings subject to the 10-person rule.

o The new DHM will require both workers and patrons of these establishments to wear masks.

o For districts other than those listed above, these establishments will remain closed past May 3rd.

Restaurants

o As of May 4th, restaurants will be allowed to serve dine-in customers if all of the following conditions are met:

The restaurant limits seating to 50% of the rated occupancy maximum at all times.
The restaurant seats parties at least six feet apart.
All dining parties are restricted to no more than six persons (groups larger than six will need to sit at separate tables).
Self-serve buffets and salad bars are prohibited. Restaurant staff must serve food directly to customers or implement buffet orders from the customer table. No customer self-service will be allowed.
Bar seating is not permitted.
Patrons may only consume alcohol on the premises if also consuming a meal.

o Bars that do not serve food will remain limited to carry-out sales and delivery only.

o For districts other than those listed above, restaurants will remain limited to delivery, drive-thru, or carryout past May 3^rd.

Childcare Facilities

o As of May 4^th, childcare facilities will be permitted to have up to 15 kids per room/space.

All other state provisions, statutes, and regulations (including child-to-staff ratios) still apply.
For districts other than those listed above, childcares will remain restricted to 10 children per room/space.
Other Establishments

o Bars, gentlemen’s clubs, bottle clubs, indoor movie theaters, indoor theaters/playhouses will remain closed statewide until May 31^st, though the State may revise the DHM prior to that date.

Gov. Ricketts: Social Distancing

Leading up to these changes to our DHMs, I want to emphasize how important it is to continue following our Six Rules during the rest of the “21 Days to Stay Home and Stay Healthy” campaign.
I also want to remind people that regardless of these changes we will still be doing some level of social distancing (at least the six foot rule) until we have a vaccine.
Just because we are able to relax some measures, does not mean life returns to normal.
We will continue to protect our healthcare system so that Nebraskans can receive the treatment they need if they become infected with coronavirus.

CEO Smith: Contact Tracing

Our Test Nebraska plan has three steps: assess, test, and track.
Today, I want to talk about the final step.
Contact tracing makes sure we’re being proactive in monitoring and supporting individuals with potential infection from COVID-19.
We want to immediately assess those individuals and track their contacts so that we can quarantine those persons at high risk of exposure.
Gov. Ricketts challenged our department to mobilize 1,000 people to help with contact tracing.
Over the next 30-60 days, we will deploy 325 teammates from DHHS to assist with contact tracing.
225 of these teammates are being trained by our epidemiologists from April 27^ththrough May 5^th.
As they track the spread of the virus, these teammates will gather real-time data to guide our public health strategies.
Our teammates will track demographics, on-site symptoms, and close contacts of those who are ill.
Our teams will work in the days and evenings to reach all Nebraskans—particularly those still working.
In our conversations, we’re going to be particularly sensitive to cultural differences and linguistic needs.
Our DHHS teams will be embedded within local health departments (LHDs).
We see our job as supporting LHDs in their vital role of keeping citizens safe.
As we’re interviewing Nebraskans and tracing contacts, we’ll also be educating Nebraskans on best practices to keep their families and communities safe.

Executive Director Arp: Grant Awarded to Crime Commission

Of the $4.3 million DOJ grant, the Crime Commission will grant over $3.9 million to applicants.
Eligible entities include state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies, prisons, jails, and criminal justice programs.
These entities have considerable latitude in the use of these funds for dealing with COVID-19.
Potential uses include hiring personnel, paying overtime, IT needs, and distributing resources to hard-hit areas.
To avoid duplicating the efforts of other agencies such as DHHS and the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency, the Crime Commission will not fund the purchase of personal protective equipment (PPE).
As with many federal grants, these funds are reimbursement-based. Agencies will have to expend their own money up front and then submit proof of purchase.
The application process is live at ncc.nebraska.gov/grant-apps. We’re accepting applications on a rolling basis.

Gov. Ricketts: Payroll Protection Program (PPP)

Today, Congress passed a bill, which the President signed into law, to allocate new funds for the Payroll Protection Program.
If you have already applied for a PPP loan and been accepted by your lender, you do not need to apply again.
If you have not applied through your lender for PPP already, do it immediately.
These funds will go quickly.
Nebraska was ahead of the curve on the first round of funding.
We encourage Nebraskans who have not already applied to reach out to their community bank today.

Full video of today’s press briefing is available by clicking here.

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Senca

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cdc wear masks

https://www.facebook.com/SarpyCassHealth/posts/2943152515723244

Tip: pipe cleaners make a nice pliable edge of a mask around the nose

How to make a mask guide

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face coverings CDC

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DHHS Encourages Expanded COVID-19 Testing As Supplies, Resources Become More Available

For Immediate Release: 4/24/2020

CONTACTS
Leah Bucco-White, Communications, 402-309-4157
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Khalilah LeGrand, Communications, 402-853-1320
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

LINCOLN – As testing supplies and resources increase and become more widely available, public health officials with the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) are encouraging health care providers to test more people for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

“Widespread testing for COVID-19 is a critical tool in reducing the spread of this virus," said Dr. Gary Anthone, Director of Public Health and Chief Medical Officer for DHHS. “Additional testing helps public health officials and health care providers to identify COVID-19 hotspots and reinforces the need for self-isolation to those who test positive as a way to decrease the risk of transmitting the virus to others."

Currently, Nebraska's testing capacity exceeds 1,000 tests per day. Testing capacity continues to grow as public health officials, health care providers and laboratories work together to find and share resources.

Nebraskans who want to get tested to see if they have COVID-19 should contact their health care providers for more information.

Additional information for health care providers on recommendations to increase COVID-19 testing (i.e. where to get test kits, information about reporting test results, etc.) can be found in the April 21, 2020, Health Advisory issued by DHHS: http://dhhs.ne.gov/han%20Documents/ADVISORY04212020.pdf .

Governor Pete Ricketts recently unveiled TestNebraska, a public-private partnership designed to increase testing capacity and #CrushTheCurve in Nebraska. The Governor is urging all Nebraskans to take the assessment provided on the TestNebraska website to help identify cases of COVID-19 in the state. After taking the assessment participants who fit the criteria will be notified via phone or email that they qualify to be tested for COVID-19. Nebraskans can take the assessment at https://www.testnebraska.com/

DHHS opened a statewide COVID-19 information line to help answer general questions and share the latest information and resources with Nebraskans to help keep them informed. The number is 402-552-6645; hours of operation are 8 a.m.-8 p.m. CST, 7 days a week.

DHHS will continue to update Nebraskans through the DHHS website and on Facebook and Twitter as we have new information. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's website is also a good resource for COVID-19 information - https://www.cdc.gov/covid19 .

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self quarantine

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https://www.sarpycasshealthdepartment.org/novel-coronavirus

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stay NE

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thank you

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Coronavirus Update: Questions and Answers

Given the rapidly changing dynamic in our country around coronavirus, I put together a list of answers to frequently asked questions about federal assistance for you, your family, and small business.

https://fortenberry.house.gov/news/in-the-news/coronavirus-update-questions-and-answers

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Zero Hour - Cass Local - Listen Audio
CassLocal.com

Open for business:

Alpha-Omega Carpet, Upholstery & Air Duct Cleaning – 10% off all work on every job…can email or mail gift certificates in any quantity.
616 House Street, Avoca, NE 68307
402-269-4242
Rich Moses, Owner
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

D&E’S Lakeside Pizza & Subs – Carry out & delivery
9661 Renee Ave Ste #3, Plattsmouth, NE 68048
Call 4022352114
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Closed Mondays, Tuesday-Thursday 10:30-8:00, Friday & Saturday 10:30-9:00, Sunday 10:30-7:00

Quality Signs, Inc – Sign Manufacturing and Installation
213 S. 3rd St., Plattsmouth, NE
402-296-9117
Mark Cundall, Owner
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Trico Mechanical Services – HVAC Sales and Service
1008 Bert Murphy Blvd
402-733-2600
Anna West, Office Manager
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
We are available 24/7 for all your furnace and A/C needs.

A major goal for the CassLocal.com project, was to make small business support as convenient as possible. If you have a small business, you know that job one, is to make your businesses as simple, and convenient as possible to interact with.

The Corona $1200 checks, are starting to arrive this week. We know that some fortunate Nebraskans are not desperate and might consider helping struggling small businesses, Churches and Non-Profit organizations with a donation or better yet buying Gift Cards. We encourage restaurants, bars, basically any small businesses to get a Gift Card account from companies like Square. This is a convenient way for fortunate Nebraskan's to inject life saving cash into the business, in echange for Goods and Services later when the storm passes. None of this is possible, unless you add your business or Organization to www.CassLocal.com free.
Any questions? TEXT VM/402-968-0821

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DHHS covid hotline

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If you must go out:

Support Plattsmouth

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PBDevils

PCS Superintendent Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update-Apr. 24, 2020

Parents/Guardians/Patrons,

Good evening. Most of our snow melted in about 48 hours!

Now, we have been blessed with warmer weather. Hopefully, everyone is able to get outside and exercise, while implementing physical distancing guidelines. Check out our information page atthat includes additional strategies for preventing the spread of COVID-19.

This is a friendly reminder that on Wed., Apr. 1, 2020, Governor Ricketts issued a Directed Health Measure () stating that schools statewide were directed to operate without students in their buildings through Sun. May 31, 2020. Extracurricular activities were also cancelled statewide. That being said, we will not have classes, activities or events with students at our buildings until after at least May 31, 2020. Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) Commissioner Dr. Matt Blomstedt also issued a letter (https://bit.ly/2ysxWA7) on Thu., April 16 indicating that he and Governor Ricketts advise that any in-person graduation ceremony be scheduled in late summer (July or August).

Governor Ricketts also proclaimed “21 Days to Stay Home and Stay Healthy in Nebraska” that includes six rules.

Stay home. No non-essential errands and no social gatherings. Respect the ten-person limit.
Socially distance your work. Work from home or use the six-foot rule as much as possible in the workplace.
Shop alone and only shop once a week. Do not take family with you.
Help kids follow social distancing. Play at home. No group sports. And no playgrounds.
Help seniors stay at home by shopping for them. Do not visit long-term care facilities.
Exercise daily at home or with an appropriately socially-distanced activity.
- Nebraskans have been doing a great job of complying with our social distancing directives.
- These six rules will unite Nebraskans in our shared goal of slowing the spread of the virus as we enter its peak period.

This week, we reconvened with the student advisory board and clarified ways to honor and recognize the accomplishments of our students this year. Several forms of recognition are included below.

Honors Night

Honors Night is scheduled for Wed., May 6 at 6:30 PM. Our virtual honors night ceremony will be viewable on the Blue Devil Television (BDTV) page of our website. Go to www.pcsd.org > For Community > BDTV. It will be live on May 6 and viewable after that as well.

Given the NDE guidance relative to in-person graduation ceremonies, prom is scheduled for Fri., July 17. Contact Jaima Negrete with questions at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

We scheduled an audio Graduation Broadcast in cooperation with B103 Radio on our commencement date of Sat., May 9, 2020. It will be accessible via the internet. The audio broadcast is scheduled for 10:00 AM and will reflect a schedule similar to our in-person ceremony. A link to the audio broadcast will be provided in the near future.

In addition to an audio Graduation Broadcast on May 9, a traditional, in-person ceremony in which students walk and receive their diplomas has been scheduled for Sat., July 25. We will also need approval of local health officials for the in-person ceremony. We are hopeful that the weather will cooperate with us and the in-person ceremony can be held outside in our turf stadium.

Thank you to our students, parents, and staff members for their high levels of engagement in the remote learning environment. Our continuity of learning plan (CLP) is available at https://bit.ly/2x07ptL.

Our dedicated professionals are implementing the learning plan to support students for advancement to the next grade level. You should have received messages about the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year from the buildings where your children attend school. If you have questions or comments about anything related to the remote learning plans for your children, please contact the building principals where your children attend school.

The Plattsmouth Community Schools and OPAA! continue to provide Grab-N-Go breakfasts and lunches at no charge for any child in a household from birth to age 18 regardless of income. Meals are being distributed by the sidewalk near the front entrance of Plattsmouth Middle School at 1724 8th Ave. It is a drive-thru service each Monday from 6:30 AM to 9:00 AM, 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, and 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. On Monday, April 20, we distributed 5940 meals to children!

In an effort to increase safety, we are implementing some procedures for handing out the food to families. If possible, when you drive up for your food, we would like to place your food in a trunk or an empty back seat. This will aid in maintaining a 6-foot distance between people. If there is not a trunk or empty back seat available, you might be asked to grab your food from a table. Then, the volunteers plan to wipe down the table before the next customer. Please be patient with our food service volunteers.

To help us get an accurate meal count, if you need food assistance, please complete the survey at this link (https://bit.ly/3a82V2r). The survey only needs to be completed one time per household. The survey does not need to be completed every week. If you are unable to complete the survey online, please call 402-296-3361 and provide the necessary information.

Our school social workers prepared another message that includes tips for coping with COVID-19. Go to https://bit.ly/3bjDPhM and read their message.

If you or someone you know needs assistance with water, food, or other supplies, please contact the school social worker at the building where your child attends school. Early childhood-Bri Renninger at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., elementary school-Sarah Coniglio at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., middle school-Sara Barada at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., and high school-Keryl Mines at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

With your support, our bond issue passed in May of 2019. Our Board of Education approved a proposal from Lund-Ross Constructors for some high school projects. Lund-Ross Constructors started construction of our high school skilled and technical sciences (STS) building addition. Two draft renderings of our STS addition are included below. These are views from the north and east.

In addition, there is heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) work being done at our middle school. Our Board of Education approved proposals from the AOI Corporation for projects at our early childhood center and projects at our elementary school/middle school, and we are hopeful that construction will start soon at those sites as well.

Each year, there are staff members that retire or resign and move on to other opportunities. At previous meetings, our Board of Education approved the hiring of several staff members. The person that resigned or retired is listed in parentheses. Lisa Rains (Emily Schmitt)-early childhood nurse, Julia Loy (Emma Shaner)-elementary music, Katie Zimmerer (Jim Olsen transferred to high school science)-middle school science, John Campin (Mark Smith)-middle school principal, Ethan Scholting (Andrew Wessling)-high school skilled and technical sciences, William Grannemann (Nicole Mowry)-high school agriculture education, and Carmen Hall (Lisa Micek-Johnson)-high school family and consumer science/culinary arts.

Our students are in good hands with our dedicated professionals. I believe this situation will make us even stronger together. With time, patience, and perseverance, I believe will successfully navigate these uncharted waters. Thank you for your support of our students, staff members, families, Board members, and our entire community. We are #PLATTSMOUTHSTRONG!

Best regards,

Superintendent Dr. Richard E. Hasty

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MH 4.20.20

APPLY NOW

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TEXT DIET to 72727 or Click Here

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WE ARE OPEN!

www.bellevuefamilychiro.com

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Legion56

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Masonic Home voluntary closed

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Online Auction

Bidding open now

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2020 Farmer's Market at The Hop Yard
The Farmer's Market is slated to begin Thursday, May 21 and run every Thursday evening through October 8th. We will adjust timing and vendor pricing accordingly based on current recommendations regarding the Coronavirus and recommended Social Distancing measures.
More information, including vendor applications, category descriptions, and musician/busker applications can be found at:
www.midwesthopproducers.com
Click on "events" in the dropdown menu and hover over "Farm Market Info" for clickable links to all relevant forms.
Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with your completed application or with any questions about the market.

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stjb hiring

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Festival Logo 1

In the meantime, if you have any questions about the Festival, or would like to become involved in the annual celebration, please contact one of the following officers or email plattsmouthharvestfestival@gmail.com:

President: Karen Tesarek-Parsons
First Vice President: Nancy Johnson
2nd Vice President: Tom Beckman
Treasurer: Brian Harvey
Secretary: Susie Nielsen
Members-at-Large: Shari Dunlap (2019-2020), Russ Kathol (2020-2021), Dennis Keil (2019-2020) & Tammy Lanum (2020-2021)
Advisors (appointed by the president): Terry Little & Deb Null

The Plattsmouth Harvest Festival is the oldest, continuous harvest festival in Nebraska. Now in its 89th year, the family-friendly event is 4 days of pageantry, parades, carnival rides, antique tractor show and races, craft fair, car show and shine, contests and games, lots of music and entertainment for all ages, and much, much more.

THIS YEAR'S DATES: September 10-13, 2020
THE THEME: Remember the Past - Celebrate the Future

For more info, please visit www.plattsmouthharvestfestival.com

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Plattsmouth Public Library

PPL curbside

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Cancelled spring cleanup 2020

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golf scramble

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Cass County VETS June 7 2020

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Employment Opportunities

Grounds Maintenance

The City of Plattsmouth is accepting applications for seasonal full-time position of Grounds Maintenance for all city-owned properties. Must be 18 years old and have a valid Drivers License. Applications and complete job description are available at City Hall, 136 North 5th Street, Plattsmouth NE 68048 or online here. This is a Veterans Preference position. Return applications and signed job descriptions to City Hall. If after hours, place in the utility payment drop box. EOE. Grounds Maintenance job description

Twin Rivers Water Park positions

TWIN RIVERS WATER PARK is now taking applications for Assistant Managers (Job Requirements: Current Lifeguard Certification and a Pool Operator Certificate), Lifeguards (Job Requirement: Current Lifeguard Certification), Concessions Coordinator and Admissions/Concessions/Rotators staff. Must be 16 or older. For additional information, contact Liz Glup, 402-296-5800, option 2. Applications and job descriptions are available at the Plattsmouth Community Center, at City Hall, 136 N. 5th St., Plattsmouth, NE 68048, or online here. All applications must be turned in at City Hall by Friday, May 15. If after hours, place in utility payment drop box. Subject to Veteran’s Preference. EOE

Assistant Manager job description
Lifeguard job description
Concessions Coordinator job description
Admissions/Concessions/Rotators job description

Swim Lesson Instructor

The City of Plattsmouth is accepting applications for Swim Lesson Instructors at the Plattsmouth Community Center. Must be comfortable with people, young children, and have the ability to swim. Applications and job descriptions are available at City Hall, 136 N. 5th St., Plattsmouth, NE 68048, or online here. Return applications and signed job descriptions to City Hall. Open until filled. If after hours, place in the utility payment drop box. Subject to veterans preference. EOE. Swim Lesson Instructor job description

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Census 2020

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Other Surrounding Area Events...

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Due to the impending threat of COVID – 19 (the new coronavirus) in our area, Louisville Care Center is restricting all visitors. Under extenuating circumstances we may allow for immediate family members. Routine social visits are discouraged. We assure you, we are being proactive and using caution to keep our residents safe.

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foodbank