Martin Luther King Holiday

(ECC)  — Schools, banks and the U.S. Postal Service is closed Monday, but trash pick up is – on regular schedule here in Omaha. So, go ahead and leave your garbage and recyclables at the curb despite the Federal Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday on Monday, January 16, 2012.

Other cities that Omaha’s trash collector, Deffenbaugh Industries serve observe the holiday, including St. Joseph, Missouri. It’s up the each individual city to opt to observe or not.

Proposed New Trash Rules – Jan 17 City Hearing

By Susan L. Stern

(Omaha, NE)  –  The City is talking trash, per say. Councilman Chris Jerram is proposing an amendment to city ordinances that mandate how long garbage cans can be kept in front of properties, and require bins be placed at least 20 feet away from a sidewalk.  

If Jerram’s proposal becomes law, rulebreakers who are caught would face a first-offense $100 fine, and $500 for each offense after that.  The amendment will be the subject of a Jan 17th public hearing.

Source: City Council Agenda

Xmas Tree Drop Off

Happy New Year!

No ~ 4th of July Parade 2011

(ECC) –  There is no scheduled 2011 4th of July parade this holiday in the Elk Creek Crossing Omaha neighborhood. Why? No one has come forward to help plan the popular family event. The volunteer who planned last year’s event is – unavailable due to family commitments.

The ECC Homeowner’s Association is still looking for a social chairperson.

Additionally, the Annual end-of-summer ECC Picnic is still up in the air depending solely on planners coming forward to spearhead this volunteer project. If you are interested in the social chair position, please send a note herein to this website, and HOA President Eric Oxley will contact you to discuss. The Volunteer who comes forward can count on help – co-planners Lisa Graper-Fuller and Susan Stern will support the Social Chair efforts, depending on their schedule availability.

House Property Tax Bill Due

July 31st 2011 - paid on or before…is the due date for the 2nd half of Elk Creek Crossing property taxes for 2010. Beside paying in person or via U.S. Mail, ECC Homeowners can remit payment by credit card or bank check online at the Douglas County Treasurer’s website. Partial payments are not accepted.

Please note, online payments via credit card are assessed a fee, and payment via check costs $1.00. Late payments for real property taxes on homes are charged interest. You can view your assessment and payment history online, too at the county website.

Thu-Sat May 26-28 Garage Sales!!!

Thursday through Saturday – the days for the Annual Elk Creek Crossing Garage Sale Extravaganza!!!
The ECC HOA placed advertisements touting the neighborhood event in the Omaha World Herald. Plus, ads are up on Craig’s List. Expect high turnout for an event this is popular for garage sale enthusiasts. May 26-28. Thursday-thru Saturday. Omaha NE Memorial Day Weekend Garage Sales!

May 26-28 ECC Garage Sales!

(ECC) –  Mark your calendar. May 26-28 – Thursday through Saturday - is the date for the - Annual Elk Creek Crossing Garage Sale Extravaganza. This is a great time to get rid of gently used items & earn some extra cash. Or, go shopping for the treasure you’ve been wanting.

The ECC HOA, together with the Walnut Ridge HOA, are pooling funds to advertise in the Omaha World Herald to tout this event citywide.  Notes resident Sheila S. “While several of my neighbor friends plan to sell children’s furniture and the like, I will be offering home-raised heirloom vegatable and flower plants.”

Bulky Drop Off – May 7th ~ 9-2p

Mark your calendar. Get your large junked appliances ready to discard. May, 7th 2011 is the date, Standing Bear Elementary is the place…9am to 2pm This is for the disposal of large, bulky or difficult to dispose of items.  Furniture, appliances, and tires.  This is not for the disposal of regular household garbage. Sponsored by the city of Omaha & Keep Omaha Beautiful. Notes Mayor Jim Suttle, “This is a great way for residents of Omaha to collaborate on a worthy project.” For more info call the City at 402-444-4636. For more info,click here.  Last year, citywide residents disposed of more than 1,400 tons of unwanted items, 95 tons of scrap tires, and nearly 600 junk appliances. This year, 100 neighborhood groups will participate in the Neighborhood Clean-Up program at 83 different locations throughout Omaha. The “Big Bulky Junk Off Clean Up” is a fabulous opportunity for Elk Creek Crossing residents to help keep our neighborhood looking great – and a great place to live.

Holiday Hunt A Hit!

Drop Off Coats-THIS WEEKEND!

(Omaha, NE)  — Clean out your closets now!!! Share your “Coats, Gloves & Love” with those less fortunate. Elk Creek Crossing’s Annual Clothing Drive runs - Thu-Sun. Nov 5th-8th.  9a-5p.

With kindness & sweetness in your heart.

Please drop off coats, gloves, boots, sweaters, blankets & such inside bins at 16508 Taylor Street.

Or, ring the door bell of this residence – if bins over-fill and/or after-hours. 

“We’re going to give these nice clothes away to an Omaha group that would really benefit, like an abused women’s shelter or similar organization” notes co-organizer Susan Stern, who hosts this year’s drop off locale. Social Committee Chair Karen May is handling signage. 

SPECIAL THANKS….

 Kudos to ECC residents Angie & Barry Emerson who out of the kindest of their hearts, donated close to 10 warm coats!  With smiles on their faces, three of their children dropped off the coats on Friday! What a surprise. Thanks Emersons!

Results – Clothing Dr.

The ECC “Coats, Gloves & Love” Clothing Drive came and went – without much participation. Ho hum. Bah hum bug. Despite the signage, advertising in the Elk Creek Express & elsewhere, few residents took part. Why is not clear.

However, the families who did participate – donated a heck of alot of winter gear – an estimated 10 children’s winter coats. Wow. Thank you! “Soon we will be deciding which Omaha organization needs these coats the most,” notes co-organizer Susan Stern. 

Now, there’s still time to clean out your closets for Omaha’s less fortunate. We’ve extended the drop off dates to November 23rd. Please contact Susan at 212-7489, if you have gently worn coats, gloves, hats & scarves to donate. Or, bring them to 16508 Taylor Street.

Bye Bye Yard Waste

(ECC) –  The last day for city of Omaha yard waste pickup is – today – Monday, Nov. 30th, 2009. So, if you’re a leaf-raking procrastinator – the time is now to do it! But, if you missed this deadline, don’t fret. The other option is to mow over the leaves two or three times – which creates a nutrient-rich mulch. That’s okay, too. FYI.

Coats, Gloves & Love…

  (ECC)  — ECC’s “Coats, Gloves & Love” drive announces the 2009 charity of choice!!! It’s Omaha Together Inc. Organizer & ECC resident/Elk Creek Express founder Susan L. Stern contacted Omaha Temple Israel Rabbi Ariel Azriel, at 71st and Cass Street, which is located across the street from First Methodist Church. The Jewish Reform Rabbi suggested that we give our donated winter gear to this multi-demoninational organization that serves low-income Omaha citizens of multi-faiths.

According to its website, Together, Inc. , the group was founded in 1975 by the leaders of: Countryside Community Church, Dundee Presbyterian, Temple Israel, Kountze Memorial Lutheran, Trinity Cathedral, First United Methodist, and St. Cecilia’s Cathedral. 

In 2008 – last year – the Omaha Together Inc. at 16th & Cass provided nearly 16,000 poor Omahans the basics – thanks to the generous local donations of food, clothing & househood goods. The 2008 Christmas/Chanukah/Kwanza holiday resulted in toys for nearly 850 area children. “

“What’s great about this organization is that families in need can shop at the 16th and Cass store and take whatever they need – at zero cost to them,” emphasizes ECC clothing drive organizer Susan.

December 8th update: Due to additional advertising on this editor’s facebook, non-residents contributed 3 more bags filled with coats, gloves – and loads of love. Thank you! The Omaha Together Inc. trucks were scheduled to pick up an estimated 13 gigantic bags of donations, but the snow storm temporarily derailed these plans. So, the next date for pick up is Monday, December 21st.

DONATION ACCEPTED UNTIL MON. DEC. 15TH! So, residents still have time to donate winter gear. Please drop off items in plastic bags at the doorstep of Susan Stern, located at 16508 Taylor Street, to meet – Monday’s new deadline.

Holiday Sparkle

(ECC) — Attention. Attention. The Holiday Lights Contest – is ON! Now that turkey day is over, you can spot Elk Creek Crossing residents hanging, stringing & laying Xmas lights galore! Nice. The white, blue, green & red lights which adorn ECC homes certainly beautify our entire family-friendly neighborhood. What spirit we have! Your creativity may be rewarded too. Homeowner’s Association Social Committee Chair/real estate agent Karen May and resident photographer/newsletter producer Susan L. Stern plan to scour the neighborhood this month to pick the top three!

The winners receive generous gift certificates to a local store or a restaurant.

Plows – Slow Go

                     (Elk Creek Crossing)  Did they forget about us, or are City of Omaha road crews that swamped? It’s probably the latter. But as of 6 p.m. Thursday night, snow plows hadn’t cleared our neighborhood streets from this week’s major snow blast. Wonder if Elkhorn had to wait like us?

National Weather Service Meterologists in Valley reported difficulty in measuring snowfall amounts due to wind-whipped snow drifts that averaged 4-6 feet in places.  Light snow began on December 7th, continuing through the day on the December 8th, before ending overnight on the 9th.

Even 4-wheel drive vehicles faced challenges getting in and out of Elk Creek Crossing, so imagine what some of the close-to-the-ground vehicles encountered! Several streets did get cleared, though, thanks to snow plowing by residents. 

Still, the December snow storm brought smiles to children’s faces. After all, the area’s major school’s closed, not for one day, but, wowee - three: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. These children, Dylan Brezack, age 11, and 10-year-old Brandan Grobaugh got creative with the snow drifts by shoveling a cave into a huge pile of snow alongside the sidewalk.

Update: A Neighbor reported that a city of omaha subcontractor did come through to clear our neighborhood streets of snow sometime overnight Thursday.

Holiday Lights Contest Winners…

(ECC) – It’s official. The Elk Creek Crossing Social Committee announces the 2009 Holiday Lights contest winners! Congratulations homeowners. Not only does ECC look nice during the Spring, Summer & Fall, but the holiday decorations make our homes look lovely during the holiday season too. Thank you for your participation.

1st Place: 4237 North Branch Drive…Joe Sevenings Family. Winner receives a $100 Gift Certificate to Village Pointe

2nd Place: 16622 Ames Ave…Eric Knudtson Winner receives a $60 Gift Certificate to a local restaurant

3rd Place: 4504 North 167th Street… Don Dolan family won a $30 Gift Certificate to 20 Grand Movie Theater….

Reminders…

Easter Egg Hunt

Saturday Update: Rain or shine today’s Easter Egg hunt is on! So, bring a basket. Wear a rain coat for fun at the park.

(ECC) –  Wowee. It’s this weekend. The Easter Egg Hunt, that is…….Get ready, get set…for perhaps Elk Creek Crossing’s best Easter Egg Hunt yet!  Organizers plan to hide more eggs filled with candy than last year due to higher-than-expected participation in 2009, approximately 600 eggs filled with yummy-to-the-tummy candy! Also, expect the event to be seperated by age group. Parents gave positive feedback to doing so last Spring.

So, pack up a basket and prepare for fun at the neighborhood park on Saturday, March 27th at 3:00 p.m. 

Editor’s Note: Mom’s and dad’s get active!!! We are looking for several volunteers willing to help fill eggs & hide them in the park. If interested, please contact Susan Stern at 212-7489. Your participation is greatly appreciated.

Neighborhood Garage Sale!

Editor’s Note: Expect advertising of the June 3-5, Thursday-Saturday garage sale extravaganza: OWH ad, Craig’s List , physical signage & via word-of-mouth.

ECC Resident/State Senator Faces Rematch

(ECC) –  Breaking News. The Primary Results are in. A Nebraska state senator who lives among us – faces a rematch of the 2008 election he narrowly won. ECC resident Scott Lautenbaugh led the May 11th Primary by 12 percentage points against Carl Lorenzen of Blair. Both are Republicans. The election is November 2nd.

Lautenbaugh, an Omaha lawyer & Creighton grad is seeking a 2nd, 4-year term in the nonpartisan legislature. Lautenbaugh also serves as Director of the ECC Homeowner’s Association Board. 

In the Unicam, Lautenbaugh represents District 18, which encompasses ECC, including a small portion of Omaha north of Maple Road between 108^th and 168^th Streets, and stretching south to Dodge Road between 156^th and 168^th Streets, as well as Blair, Ft. Calhoun & rural Douglas & Washington Counties. Lautenbaugh is Chairman of the Nebraska Legislature Rules Committee. He currently sits on the Judiciary, Transportation & Telecommunications Committees.

On his official campaign website Lautenbaugh writes that the budget is a top concern to him: ”I also introduced a resolution for an interim study to determine how we may operate more efficiently at all levels of government– whether state or local.  I do believe that government must simply get by with less as we all do during difficult economic times.”

On illegal immigration, Lautenbaugh states “ I successfully supported legislation which cut off state benefits for illegal immigrants, and I attempted to advance legislation which would cease the practice of charging in-state tuition for illegal immigrants at our colleges and universities.  While I do favor legal immigration, I do believe our laws must be enforced and obeyed.”

Regarding capital punishment & Nebraska’s mode of execution, Lautenbaugh says the following: “In my time in the legislature I have fought successfully to establish lethal injection as our means of execution in Nebraska, and I have successfully fought each year to defeat the annual attempts to repeal capital punishment.”

On Cigar Bars, an exception to the statewide smoking ban Lautenbaugh writes: ” Often such businesses have invested tens of thousands of dollars in such facilities, constructing walk-in humidors, installing special humidifying equipment and ventilation, etc. While the coming smoking ban excepts tobacco shops from the ban, it does not except cigar bars, oddly enough. I do not want to see these places forced out of business– especially now. I continue to believe that there should be places to go for adults who want to smoke– plain and simple.”

 

Photos courtesy of Lautenbaugh Campaign

Lautenbaugh lives in Elk Creek Crossing with his wife and three boys.

To learn more about the Republican lawmaker, please visit the below websites.

Wikipedia Background Info

Senator Page at Unicameral Site

Campaign Website

Information about Challenger Carl Lorensen of Blair is somewhat limited due to the fact he does not have a website. According to the Nebraska Rural Electric Association, Lorenzen is a retired brigadier general with the Nebraska Air National Guard. He owned a graphics business and ran a family-owned cow/calf farming operation in Blair. He holds memberships in the Nebraska & Washington County Cattlemen’s Association, and is an active member of the Blair Volunteer Fire Department. He attended the NREA candidate training school in 2007. In 2008, he ran unsuccessfully against Senator Lautenbaugh in a close race receiving 49 percent of the vote.

ECC Ad Deadline Looms!

(ECC) -  Heads up Elk Creek Crossing business owners. The next edition of the modern tabloid-size Elk Creek Express™ shall soon go to press. So, the time is now to get your ads in! Contact Omaha Marketer ECC resident Susan Stern by Wednesday May 26th to receive placement. 212-7489.  

FYI. Payment for ads is due prior to print. Limited space. First come, first served.

Of course, expect polished name-branding of your business identity. “While creating an effective advertisement for an ECC business, I am helping these small and medium-sized businesses refine their image. ” states Susan Stern. Name-branding, building & maintenance.

Expect top notch graphic design advertisements presented within an eye-catching format that propel profits. “Placing ads that I personally design – with a signature style – net results. My clients report receiving more than leads, but actual jobs. I highly recommend this ad vehicle which is available at a reasonable rate within a publication that has received positive reviews for its authenticity,” notes Omaha Marketer/ECC producer Susan Stern.

Few Omaha neighborhoods offer such a community-centered newsletter that is done professionally.

Plus, as an added bonus, ALL advertisers receive free website ad placement herein. Says Susan Stern, “When you advertise in the Elk Creek Express™, you’re reaching a desirable demographic – approximately 430 middle-class suburban consumers who generally have the extra income for products/services.”

Advertising that works! Advertising that doesn’t bust the budget!

In terms of numbers, get this.  Since Susan Stern voluntarily created this site in October 2009, it’s already received close to 1,300 visitors & growing. “That’s quite an impression rate. Based on the search engine-friendly articles I’ve written & the SEO I’ve done, this site also receives first page status on Google,” remarks Susan Stern.

So, don’t delay. Get moving asap.

AD DEADLINE: Wednesday, May 26th

Call Susan Stern today to guarantee a spot in the next Elk Creek Express™!

212-7489 or email Susan Stern at sternpr@gmail.com

Stern PR™. Serious Strategy. Really!

ECC Aug. Picnic Date!

Help Wanted Right Away!

 

*Specifics Details per ECC HOA President Eric Oxley

HELP WANTED
The HOA Board seeks a new Social Committee Chairperson.  This individual would be the point person on organizing the following events:  Annual Easter Egg Hunt; Annual Fourth of July Parade; and Annual Summer Picnic. They would also attend around 4 or 5  HOA Board meetings each year. All of these events are fully funded by the Elk Creek Crossing HOA.  Although the HOA is not allowed to exempt homeowners from their annual dues, the HOA will try to find a way to reimburse that expense in some manner, as an added incentive for the efforts.”

July 4th Parade! Wow

Rain on my Parade!

ECC Picnic Extravaganza!

Wowee - ECC Picnic Today – Saturday!

 Special thanks goes out to our main sponsor Bag N Save.Bag N Save Owner Michael Shrago donated a whopping – 450 chip bags!
Plus, the supermarket offered us a MAJOR discount on dogs, burgers & buns!
Show your appreciation. Shop at Bag N Save – 156th & Blondo.

Thank you Tommy Livermore, Let’s Jump Rentals owner who slashed the rental price in exchange for Elk Creek Express advertising!  
Give Let’s Jump Rentals a jingle for your child’s next Bday Party Event!

   Thank you Hyvee for donating 2 huge coolers to store lemonade – at no charge + 10% off anything for the ECC Picnic.

WANTED:
ANOTHER Guy/Gal - GRILLER –  
+ Bring a Charcoal Grill
CALL SUSAN STERN AT 212-7489     

  THANK YOU RESIDENT HELPERS:
ECC HOA President Eric Oxley who helped Organizer Susan Stern facilitate the picnic’s financials with management company P.J. Morgan Real Estate!
A thumbs up & thank you to Lisa Graper-Fuller who took the organizer to Sams club for a DEEP DISCOUNT on plates, dishes, cups, lemonade, charcoal, lighter fluid & more. The owner of Compassionate Memory Care, an Alzheimer’s house, is donating papertowels & banner string.

ECC HOA Treasurer Travis Schwartz - Griller
ECC HOA Director Scott Lautenbaugh – Griller

THANK YOU NON-RESIDENT HELPERS:
Bag N Save Owner – Michael Shrago – Griller

       NOTE TO: FAMILIES & OTHERS       
It would be great!
Please bring along a potluck dish, if you enjoy
making, baking, mixing or fixing.
Portable chairs & a blanket are suggested, too.

This year’s picnic is in memoriam of former
ECC Social Chairwoman Karen May

Get Active Aug. 21 Picnic

Volunteers wanted, needed & appreciated! What sets the Elk Creek Crossing Omaha NE neighborhood apart from the rest is the altruistic gestures of residents. From the Homeowner’s Association Board of Directors who volunteer their time, to the good neighbors who help one another – all the time.

What a great place to live!

Here & there we need volunteers to help – with this & that. Right now, preparations are underway for the Saturday Aug. 21 Annual Park Picnic.

Says Organizer Susan Stern, “We need some grill enthusiasts to cook some burgers & dogs. Easy-going shifts are available.”

Get active! Get interested. Meet & greet your neighbors & Volunteer at the Grill – Sat. Aug 21st.

Excellent for networking, too.

Call Susan NOW!   212-7489

Thank you!

2010 Charity Announced – “Coats, Gloves & Love Dr.”

(ECC) –  The Siena Francis House Omaha NE shall be the recipient of ECC’s 2010 “Coats, Gloves & Love Drive” which kicks off this fall. 

Mostly known as Nebraska’s largest shelter for men, women & children, the organization, offers much more. It has two additional facilities on its campus at 17th & Nicholas: a day center that helps the down & out find work & housing & receive case management services, as well as “Miracles” Treatment, a live in rehabilitation center which runs on 100% donations, charging nothing to addicts seeking help.   

Learn More

Last Year, ECC’s clothing drive benefited Omaha Together Inc., a group of churches, synagogues & temples who work together for the greater good of the community. A year prior, donations went to Catholic Charities.

–end–

Farewell Karen May

By Susan L. Stern

(ECC) –  A top ECC leader has died. Karen May, who spearheaded countless neighborhood projects as ECC HOA Social Chair passed away on August 1st. The long-time Omaha real estate agent shall be remembered not only for her hard work as a go-getter realtor, but for her excellent ability to juggle many things at the same time including organizing Elk Creek Crossing events from the Annual picnic, 4th of July parade, Easter Egg content, Holiday lights & Holiday decoration contests.  Karen May, the realtor extraordinaire, was the one who left little American flags in the grass outside ECC homes every 4th of July for marketing.

In real estate, Karen served as president for the Nebraska Women’s Council of Realtors at the time of her death. This past winter, the WCR awarded Karen as Realtor of the Year.  Interestingly, before entering that profession, the McCook native taught preschool, kindergarten & 2nd grade in Callaway, in Council Bluffs & Omaha: Oakdale Elementary & Brownell Talbot. She also educated children with disabilities. Karen was active in her church.

Her smile shall be greatly missed, as will her charm & enthusiasm. Karen is survived by her husband Leon to whom she has been married for 40 years, and grown children. Please share your fond memories of Karen May.

ECC Picnic

In memory of Elk Creek Crossing Homeowner’s Association Social Chair Karen May.

Coats, Gloves & Love On!

(Omaha, NE)  –  The annual ECC “Coats, Gloves & Love” Drive is officially on! This year’s recipient is the Siena Francis House Organization located in downtown Omaha, which helps area homeless return to society, offers free addiction treatment and other essential Omaha community services.

DEADLINE: Tuesday Nov. 23. So, hurry, hurry, hurry!

Please clean out your closets and donate gently used adult & children winter wear. Please drop off these items near the front door of the home of Susan Stern, 16508 Taylor Street. Or call, 212-7489. Email: susan@sternpr4less.com

Specifications:

• Drop off items in plastic bags (clear, white or black)
• Gently used items
• No tears, holes, rips or stains

Please learn more about the Siena Francis Organization here.
Learn more about Miracles Treatment Center Founder former addict William Keck here.

Editor’s Note: Photo Courtesy of the Siena Francis Organization.

ECC Halloween Spooktacular!

Annual Meeting Thurs. Night~

ECC Resident Returns to Unicam

By Susan L. Stern

ECC Resident Scott Lautenbaugh returns to the unicameral for his 2^nd term. The Omaha attorney and father of three defeated Carl Lorenzen of Blair in the November General Election. The incumbent state senator who represents the 18^th Legislative District, which encompasses Douglas County and part of Washington County, garnered 58% of the vote to Lorenzen’s 42%.

Don’t count on Lautenbaugh running for re-election in the Unicam in 2014.  Lautenbaugh would have to take his political ambitions elsewhere. Nebraska law bars senators from serving more than two consecutive four-year terms, although he could return after sitting out one term. Voters approved the term limit constitutional amendment at the 2000 ballot box. 

Did you know? Nebraska is the only state* with a single chamber unicameral (uni defined as one) form of government, and is nonpartisan (no “formal” association with a political party). Forty-nine senators represent roughly 35,000 people each. The Unicameral system’s principal advantage is efficiency and reduced costs, since it doesn’t take the approval of two Legislative chambers of government to make a bill law.

*U.S. territories-The Virgin Islands & Guam have unicamerals, as does the Council of the District of Columbia (Washington, D.C.)

Monday YW Day

Fall/Winter Elk Creek Express!

ECC Annual Report!

ECC_Financial_Review_120910

Kitty Found Home!

BREAKING NEWS…..JANUARY 3 2011: The effort to find the home of a kitty found by ECC Resident Tammi paid off! She says “Kitty was claimed by owner! Thank you!” It just goes to show that working together, a caring citizen, the Humane Society & the Elk Creek Crossing Homeowner’s Association Website can help reunite lost animal with owner.

UPDATED: Tuesday, Dec. 28: From Tammi “Cat rescued and sent to Humane Society for ID. Will update as I get information.”

Is anyone missing a very adorable tabby cat? Seen since 12/23 several times at 163rd & Taylor. We have been feeding her and if we can catch her we will turn into Humane Society to see if she has a chip. Please call Tammi @ 201-8113 with info.

Thanks.

Pot Hole Patrol

(Omaha, NE)  — The City of Omaha pothole patrol is accepting pothole complaints for the Spring roadway repair season. The Public Works Department, is taking specific street complaints online here.  

Potholes occur when pavement freezes creating tremendous pressure on the roadway.

Home Tax Deadline Looms

(ECC)  — Oh wow. Tax time looms. Yes, the clock ticks toward the Douglas County, Nebraska home property tax payment deadline. The 1st installment is due on or before March 31st. If you pay your taxes directly rather than through the mortgage company, you may save the cost of a stamp & go to the County Treasurer’s website to pay the tax bill with your credit card online here

The 2nd installment is due on or before July 31st.

Other Property Tax Notes to Know:

 -  Partial payments on taxes will not be accepted.
 -  Current year delinquent taxes must be paid prior to paying 2nd installment
  - Additional payment other than an entire installment will not be accepted.  
 -  By mail or in person, write check payable to Douglas County Treasurer. 
-   Please allow 2 (two) weeks for payment processing.
-   There will be a $25.00 service charge for each returned check. 
-   Acceptable forms of payments include: cash, check and money order. 

    Noteworthy: Credit Cards are only accepted for on-line payments. 
—–
   Source: Douglas County Treasurer
   Article Written/Source Info edited by: Susan Stern

Pet License Deadline

Attn: Man’s Best Friend – Woman’s Greatest Pal. March 15th is the deadline to license your cat or dog with the Nebraska Humane Society. 

New Residents have to license within:
30 days

Vaccinations Required:
Rabies—veterinary proof is required. (Owners may pay the licensing fee prior to obtaining a current rabies vaccination; however, the actual license tag will not be given to the owner until proof of current rabies vaccination is received. Owners have 30 days after paying the licensing fee to vaccinate their animal or the late fee will apply.)

Breeds Requiring Insurance: All American Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, Dogo Argentinas, Cane Corsos, Presa Canarios, American Bulldogs or dogs displaying a majority of physical traits of one or more of these breeds needs to show proof of $100,000 public liability insurance in order to license.

Dog License Fees:
$51 intact / $26 altered
(*Veterinary proof of spay/neuter is required to license at the lower rate.

Cat License Fees:
$51 intact / $13 altered
(*Veterinary proof of spay/neuter is required to license at the lower rate.)

You may license pets online here.

Park Concerns

(Elk Creek Crossing Park) — The ECC Homeowner’s Association has immediately contacted the City of Omaha Parks Department who holds responsibility at keeping our neighborhood park clean about inappropriate markings penned on the slides.  Until the markings are removed, parents may prefer to refrain from taking their children to the park. Again, the ECC HOA will make certain the city removes the markings, and shall keep homeowners updated when the slides are cleaned.

If anyone has knowledge as to who is responsible for the markings, please consider telling a parent.

YW Collection Soon!

(Elk Creek Crossing) —  Spring is here. That means Yardwaste collection is near, too. The city of Omaha resumes Spring pick up starting the week of April 4-8, 2011. There is no limit to the amount of properly prepared yardwaste that will be collected. The below graphic is courtesy of the City of Omaha found here.

	Grass clippings and leaves. Garden waste such as fallen apples, rotted or excess vegetables and fruit. Trash cans up to 32 gallons and weighing up to 45 pounds, marked with a YW on both sides. Unlimited number of properly prepared marked cans, paper bags or brush bundles. Special yardwaste paper bags weighing up to 40 pounds. Bundles of branches and brush, tied with string or twine. Bundles may weigh up to 30 pounds. Branches may be up to 2 inches in diameter and 4 feet in length.			Mixtures of yardwaste and garbage. No lumber or treated lumber. Litter, trash or garbage. Whole cans of dirt or sod. Street sweeping sand, litter or rocks. Plastic bags of yardwaste. Cardboard boxes of yardwaste. Pet manure or kitty litter. Branches over 2 inches in diameter. Branches over 4 feet long. Plastic twine, nylon twine or wire used on brush. Rope of any kind. Unbundled brush.

Remember:

• Place all materials at your collection point by 6am.
• Leave a couple feet of space between recyclables and garbage containers (and yardwaste when in season).

April 23-11a Easter Egg/Passover Matzah Hunt

(ECC Park) – Rain or shine. It’s gonna happen. So, grab your holiday baskets, a great attitude and perhaps a jacket if weather is woeful. The Elk Creek Crossing HOA Annual Easter Egg/Passover Matzah hunt is set for 11am, Saturday April 23rd at the Park. Notes organizer Susie Stern, “It’s gonna be a blast again this year. What makes it successful is the high participation of neighborhood families!”

The eggs will be hidden by age group, so no child walks away empty-handed!

Editor’s Note: Call Susie Stern if you’d like to volunteer to help fill the 500 or so eggs with candy and toys prior to the event.

We could also use volunteers to arrive at the park at 10:00 am to hide the eggs.

It’s gonna be a great Easter Egg/Passover Hide the Matzah hunt!

Please call Susie now at 402-212-7489.