Nebraska Project Networking Guide
Total Page：16
File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb
Nebraska Project Networking Guide 2005
Developed in Partnership by
Nebraska Department of Economic Development Nebraska Community Improvement Program Nebraska Sandhills RC&D NCIP SPONSORS PROVIDE GENEROUS SUPPORT
Investor-owned utilities generously support the Nebraska Community Improvement Program, demonstrating a profound commitment to improving Nebraska’s communities.
Stephanie Johanns Tim Armstrong Jan Davis ALLTEL Great Plains Communications, Inc. Aquila P.O. Box 81309 P.O. Box 500 501 W. 6th St. Lincoln, NE 68501 1635 Front St. Papillion, NE68046 Blair, NE 68008
Mike Loeffler Mick Mines Mary Simmons Northern Natural Gas HunTel Systems Aquila P.O. Box 3330 P.O. Box 400 P.O. Box 83008 111 S. 103 St. 1638 Lincoln St. Lincoln, NE 68501 Omaha, NE 68124-1000 Blair, NE 68008-0400
Micki Schmidt Char Reiman Terry Wootton Glenwood Telephone Kinder Morgan, Inc. NorthWestern Energy P.O. Box 97 P.O. Box 204 P.O. Box 220 Blue Hill, NE 68930 Blue Hill, NE 68930 Grand Island, NE 68802 Introduction
Welcome to the 2005 Nebraska Project Networking Guide. This guide is designed as a tool for community leaders to use in transforming their ideas into reality. Community leaders wanting to network with one another to learn about their successes and challenges also will find it a useful resource.
Each year, Nebraska Community Improvement Program (NCIP), participants complete around 400 community improvement projects. The projects are submitted to the Nebraska Department of Economic Development for judging by a team of experts from various communities and professions. Nebraska investor-owned utilities provide cash awards and plaques at the annual NCIP Banquet, which is held in November.
The projects are divided into three categories: 1) Volunteer and Leadership Development 2) Community Development 3) Economic Development
Within each category, topic areas have been identified by the NCIP Advisory Committee and reflect the NCIP judging categories.
Each project features a title, brief description, and contact name and phone number. The contact person is designated by the community as the project director or community contact. Communities that are planning or starting projects can contact other communities that were involved in similar completed projects for information and ideas. This year’s guide also includes the population of each community submitting a project. We hope this will better assist you with seeing what communities of similar population sizes are doing, and encourage communities of all sizes to realize the possibilities, no matter what the population size. You also will find small ribbons designating the projects that were selected as award winners in their respective categories.
New editions of the guide are created annually as new NCIP community projects are completed.
NCIP would like to thank the communities that contributed their projects for this guide; the Sandhills RC&D for printing the guide; and Lindsay Papenhausen, NCIP assistant, who compiled the Project Networking Guide.
We think you will find the 2005 Nebraska Project Networking Guide useful. Table of Contents
Page Leadership Development
Volunteer and Leadership Development 1
Youth Involvement and Leadership Development 3
Community Development
Public Works, Facilities, Services and Planning 8 Community Development 8 Fire and Medical 8 Planning 9 Schools 9 Swimming Pools 10 Surveys 10 Water 10
Environmental Projects 11
Community Services 12 After School Programs and Child Care Centers 12 Assisted Living and Housing 13 Miscellaneous 13 Public Facilities 15 Safety and Health 16
Parks, Recreation and Forestry 17 Park and Recreation Improvements 17 Playground Equipment 18 Sports and Recreation 19
Arts and Humanities 20 Art 20 Events and Festivals 20 Miscellaneous 22 Economic Development
Business Assistance and Development 23 Business Retention and Expansion 23 Miscellaneous 24
Tourism Promotion and Development 25 Promotion and Marketing 25 Landmarks, Memorials and Museums 26 Tourism Events 27
Community Index 31 Appendix 32 Leadership Development
Volunteer and Leadership Development
Box Butte County R&SVP Retired & Senior Volunteer Program, Alliance (8,959 pop.) –The Box Butte County R&SVP taps into the talent and experience of adults age 55 and older, retired or still in the workforce. Volunteers share their knowledge and learn new skills while meeting the needs of the community. The 385 volunteers, who contribute more than 65,000 hours annually, serve more than 41 non-profit and health care workstations. Volunteers serve on community boards, work with service organizations, raise funds for a variety of organizations, staff libraries, and provide transportation, among a variety of other endeavors. Contact Elizabeth (Beth) Bourn at (308) 762-1293 or email [email protected]
Operation Eyesore, Atkinson (1,244 pop.) – Youth in Atkinson took the initiative to clean up eyesore areas around the community. The youth cleaned a vacant lot, painted several buildings, designed and purchased new welcome signs for the community’s entrances, and adopted the new Atkinson motto, “Proud and Alive.” The youth compiled a list of project goals and then divided into four teams. Each team examined an area of town, took photographs, and prioritized those projects to be completed. Contact Jan Chvala at (402) 925-2277.
Volunteer BBQ Picnic, Coleridge (541 pop.) – The Coleridge Community Club held a BBQ picnic to honor all who came from miles around to lend a helping hand following the devastating tornado that hit the community and surrounding area on June 23, 2003. The local newspaper ran ads inviting all community members and volunteers to come back to Coleridge to celebrate and reflect upon the events of the past year. Approximately 350 people came together to enjoy the event that was made possible through numerous donations and volunteers. As a result, the community club has expanded and youth have been encouraged to join. Contact Amy Hall at (402) 283-4328 or email [email protected].
Firemen/EMT Appreciation Picnic, Curtis (832 pop.) – The Medicine Creek Chamber of Commerce held a picnic and softball game for the firemen and EMTs of the community to thank them for the time and effort they give to the community. The chamber of commerce furnished the picnic, with several supplies donated by local businesses, and the firemen and EMTs were honored with special certificates of appreciation. Contact Tom Brown at (308) 367-8772 or email [email protected].
EdgarFest 2004, Edgar (539 pop.) – EdgarFest, a daylong festival held the last Saturday in June, celebrates the joys and delights of summer in the heartland of Nebraska. Volunteers host a variety of events, including an antique tractor pull, a community-wide garage sale, a bicycle road rally, water Olympics, a homemade ice-cream stand, a parade, and an outdoor movie screened on the side of a semi trailer. Contact Pam Maynard at (402) 225-2351 or email [email protected].
Roaring Lions in Eustis, Eustis (464 pop.) – The people of Eustis opened their community and homes up to visitors when they hosted the Midwinter Convention of the District 38-L Lions Club. The visitors were given a true Eustis welcome, complete with a German meal, sausage stuffing contest, and humorist speakers. Contact Evelyn Bartruff at (308) 486-5611.
1 Tapping Into Our Greatest Resource – Our People, Goehner (188 pop.) – Goehner residents planned a variety of events to encourage new and current residents to get more involved in the community, and to help them develop leadership skills in the process. Events included Halloween and Christmas parties, a spaghetti feed, Easter egg hunt, story hour, and melodrama. Contact Sue Imig at (402) 523-4395.
Youth in Civic Governance – Hartington LEAP, Hartington (1,640 pop.) –Hartington LEAP (Leaders Energizing Activities in Partnership) is one of four community groups in Nebraska participating in and benefiting from a Youth in Civic Governance grant from Land O’ Lakes and the National 4-H Foundation. Grant activities focus on two critical areas for rural communities: Youth involvement in civic governance and community improvement. Adults worked with 12 youth participants to develop leadership activities and assess the strengths and needs of the community. Youth also were given the opportunity to apply for positions on a number of city boards. Contact Jane Armstrong, UNL Cooperative Extension Cedar County, at (402) 254-6821 or email [email protected].
Community Volunteerism, Hayes County (1,019 pop. Multi-community) – Many organizations in Hayes County are instrumental in planning and completing a wide array of projects in the area. Organizations, such as the Hayes Center Legion, Legion Auxiliary, Lions Club, Senior Center, 4-H, two extension clubs, and seven church groups sponsor blood drives, host Easter egg hunts, donate supplies to hospitals, assemble care packages for servicemen and women, and host community meetings. Contact Pat Hogeland at (308) 286-3211 or email [email protected].
Town Hall Meetings, Hebron (1,550 pop.) – The Hebron City Council and mayor held two town hall meetings throughout the year, each designed for a specific purpose. At the first meeting, citizens discussed the need for a community center, a survey was conducted among the 85 in attendance, and the mayor gave a presentation on the polling process, in which citizens were educated about the issue and given the opportunity to ask questions before they were asked for their opinions. A second meeting on volunteerism resulted in the development of a database that helps organizations track officers, organizational interests, and membership accomplishment goals. Contact Patrick Kenner at (402) 768- 6322 or email [email protected].
Loup Basin RC&D Grant Writers 101 Workshop, Loup Basin Region (35,000 pop. Multi-communities) – The Loup Basin RC&D Economic Development Committee developed an agenda of knowledgeable grant writers and professionals for a daylong grant writers workshop. The group organized 10 speakers who presented information to more than 35 individuals on the basics of grant writing, types of grants available, tourism grants, foundation grants, and agency grants. All attendees were given a Grant Writers Handbook, produced by the RC&D staff, which included the basics of grant writing, types of grants, grant writing resources, grant writing tips, and examples of successful grants. Contact LeRoy Jons at (308) 728- 3393 or email [email protected].
New Fire and Rescue Equipment, Nelson (587 pop.) – The local volunteer fire department and rescue squad identified the need for new vehicles to improve the safety of volunteer fire and rescue staff and those whom they serve, and took steps to raise the necessary funds to purchase a new pumper and utility truck. Volunteers researched the various types of equipment and organized fundraisers to help finance the project. The most notable fundraiser, a consignment auction, was such a success that it has become an annual event. Contact Charles Tuttle at (402) 225-4951 or email [email protected]. Siouxland Immigrant Leadership Training, South Sioux City (11,925 pop.) –While the Siouxland’s immigrant community comprised 33% of the population, the membership of local boards, committees, and volunteer organizations did not reflect this makeup. The community’s newest residents came from
2 very different governmental and societal backgrounds with limited volunteering participation. The Siouxland Immigrant Leadership Training was born out of this need. The training is a series of eight to nine educational programs held on Saturday afternoons, designed to enhance the civic understanding and leadership skills of immigrants. The sessions are presented in English with an interpreter available for Spanish-speaking participants. The training ends with a graduation ceremony with speeches, certificate presentation, and greetings from community leaders. Contact Norma E. DeLaO at (712) 233-9037 or email [email protected].
Livestock Show & Rodeo, Wisner (1,270 pop.) – The 2004 Livestock Show & Rodeo in Wisner generated more than $16,000. The funding allowed the community to add new metal bleachers to the facility in 2004. Other than the rodeo stock contractor and a pony-ride vendor, volunteers manage all events. Contact Lee Myers at (402) 529-3338 or email [email protected].
Youth Involvement and Leadership Development
Long Pine Hiking Trail, Ainsworth (1,870 pop.) – Ainsworth Middle School developed the Long Pine Hiking Trail to partly instill a feeling of accomplishment and sense of pride in the community. Most recently, the students installed another set of stairs and cleared a trail along the east side of the creek, adding to the list of their list of improvements. Birdhouses and butterfly boxes were also installed, with students first researching what types of birds live at the state park. Many areas of the school’s curriculum were incorporated into researching and developing the trail. Contact Dale Mundorf at (402) 387-2082 or email [email protected].
Aurora Welcome Sign, Aurora (4,300 pop.) – The FBLA class adopted a plan to work with a variety of Aurora organizations in building a new “Welcome to Aurora” sign. FBLA committee members took photos of signs in other communities, and all FBLA members were encouraged to submit sign design possibilities. Members then sought out a sign contractor, made presentations to community organizations, obtained an easement for the sign, worked with state authorities, and contributed more than 150 hours towards raising the approximately $18,000 needed to complete the project. The attractive sign has helped visitors form a very favorable first impression of Aurora and established a closer relationship between the FBLA and community entities. Contact Julie Jensen at (402) 694-2820 Ext. 268.
Bassett Educational Enrichment Program (B.E.E.P.), Bassett (743 pop.) – B.E.E.P. began during summer 2003 thanks to funding through the federal “No Child Left Behind” incentive. The free program for elementary students is designed to promote learning from Kindergarten through 8th grade. Thirty-eight students attended this year’s session, “Blast from the Past – Back to the Future.” The first week focused on inventions from the 1950s, the second week encompassed the 1960s, and the third week explored the 1970s. Also, an outing to the Rock County long- term care facility gave participants an opportunity to visit with seniors about the “old days.” Contact Evelyn Armstrong at (402) 684-3855 or email [email protected].
3 Veteran’s Day Program at Bassett Grade School, Bassett (743 pop.) – Bassett Grade School’s Annual Veteran’s Day Program consisted of the presentation of colors, an invocation, a choral reading by two seventh grade girls, an original poem written by the first grade teacher and performed by her class, songs, an address by a local Vietnam veteran, the Pledge of Allegiance, and the performance of “Taps” by two elementary trumpet players. After the program, veterans visited the classrooms to field questions and share experiences and a meal with the students. Contact Evelyn Armstrong at (402) 684-3855 or email [email protected].
Transition Fair, Beatrice (27,542 pop.) – Recognizing the need for high school students to plan for their future work, and education, the Beatrice Chamber of Commerce and area volunteers created the Transition Fair. The fair not only provides opportunities for 250-300 students to learn about post- secondary institutions as is found at traditional “college fairs,” but allows students to gather personal information about many different careers from people working in those fields. The students attend the free event along with four panel discussions on occupations in their areas of interests and have one 40- minute period to visit business, college and military booths. Contact Janet Claassen at (402) 228-3468 Ext. 320 or email [email protected].
Cedar County FFA – Community Services, Cedar County (9,242 pop. Multi-community) – The Hartington FFA is the largest FFA chapter in Nebraska, averaging around 130 members. The chapter competes at the district, state and national levels – bringing home a number of awards. The group completed building the “Lewis and Clark Visitor Center Storage Shed” as part of its projects during the past year. Another major project was the assembly of cedar flower benches received on behalf of the Peter Kiewit Foundation Grant to the city of Hartington. The group also installed playground equipment, assisted in a town cleanup, gave safety demonstrations at the local John Deere Days, and sponsored a tetanus/blood pressure clinic. Contact Fritz Steinhoff at (402) 254-6644 or email [email protected].
Entrance Art Work, Chappell (983 pop.) – The high school art department enlarged and duplicated paintings by two local artists, and placed them at separate entrances to Chappell to welcome visitors. The instructor and students obtained permission from the artists to reproduce their artwork and decided on a size for the paintings, and carefully reproduced the artwork. Contact Ron Nordyke at (308) 874-3401.
Easter Egg Hunt 2004, Edgar (539 pop.) – The 2004 sophomore class youth leadership group planned and produced the Annual Edgar Easter Egg Hunt for children in the community. These young people planned the event, ordered and paid for a portion of the prizes, promoted the event, set up the event by age class, and actually ran the hunt. Contact Pam Maynard at (402) 225-2351 or email [email protected].
YICP Activities, Farnam (237 pop.) – The Farnam YCIP kids were involved in a number of projects throughout the past year. One major project was to clean up and convert a room owned by the Farnam Economic Development Corporation into a meeting room for the YCIP group and youth center. Another project involved matching a grant received from the Library Foundation. The kids raised $350 so that the library could order $1,350 worth of books. Contact Teresa Messersmith at (308) 569-2316 or email [email protected].
4 Youth Community Improvement Program (YCIP) “Youth on the Move”, Gothenburg (3,600 pop.) – Gothenburg’s self-governed and self-supported 14-member YCIP Board and one non-voting adult led more than 200 youth in community service projects last year. The board sends out a yearly survey to help prioritize projects. Volunteer efforts included holding a dog show, hosting a tea tasting, baking cookies, selling poppies, and delivering meals. The group also receives leadership training at its monthly meetings with a variety of guest speakers. Contact Andrea Collins at email [email protected].
Youth Leadership Tomorrow, Grand Island (42,940 pop.) – Youth Leadership Tomorrow is an interactive development program geared to high school sophomores from seven Grand Island and Hall County high schools. This program provides 30-34 sophomores with the opportunity to develop and strengthen leadership skills through seminars, tours, dialogue and interaction with community/county leaders. Members of each YLT class commit to one daylong session per month from September to May. Each class has a different focus, including Rural Issues and Agricultural Day, Economic Development, State Government Day, City and County Government Day, Education, Healthcare and Social Services, Criminal Justice, and Heritage Day. In addition, each class chooses one or more volunteer activity in which to participate. Contact Joni Kuzma at (308) 385-5444 Ext. 248 or email jkuzma@grand- island.com.
“ TEAMS” Together Everyone Achieves More Success, Grant County (747 pop. Multi-community) – This project is designed to encourage students to become active in their school, earn the highest grade point average they can, and attend school regularly. The more involved a student becomes, the more points they earn for their team. Students earn points for everything from reading accelerated reader books and being involved with extracurricular activities, to doing volunteer work around the community. In the end, the team with the highest number of points is rewarded with a board-approved trip involving math, science, communication, and history, and they did not have to take final tests. Contact Mike Davis at (308) 458-2202.
L.E.A.P. (Leaders Energizing Activities in Partnership), Hayes County (1,019 pop. Multi-community) – A group of youth and adults from Hayes Center that received a grant to help promote the partnership of youth and adults working together in the community and developing future leadership. Together, L.E.A.P. participants and the Hayes Center Lions Club members built a 52-foot retaining wall at Kittle Park and purchased three park benches to complete a park restoration project. Contact Pat Hogeland at (308) 286-3211 or email [email protected].
Pheasants Forever Youth Mentor Hunt, Kimball (2,559 pop.) – The Mile High Pheasants Forever Organization held it’s first ever Mentor Hunt in Kimball during the fall of 2003. The event introduced young people from ages 12 to 15 to the hunting experience, along with conservation values, hunter safety, land stewardship, and wildlife biology. Contact Brian Howard at (308) 235-7242.
People United for Families, Nebraska City (7,228 pop.) – People United for Families (PUFF) is a community-based, non-profit organization founded in 1987 to assist with the growth of children and families in Nebraska City and Otoe County. More than 300 local youth and adults were served in 2003 through the Study Buddies Tutoring Program, TeamMates Mentoring Program, Juvenile Diversion Program, Youth as Resources Community Service Program, Youth Leadership Council, and After School Club. Contact Jacki Schmitz at (402) 873-6343 or email [email protected].
Community Connections S.W.A.T., North Platte (23,878 pop.) – Service With Activities for Teens (S.W.A.T.) evolved out of the Community Connections Youth and Recreation Team. Participants are
5 youth in grades 6 through 12, as well as adults in the community who serve as positive role models and assist the youth in planning and implementing a wide variety of fun events and service activities. The team’s goal is for “youth and adults to work together and plan positive, fun, safe, and supervised activities and events for youth in North Platte and to promote youth involvement in the community through service activities.” The group sponsored youth sand volleyball tournaments, food drives, concerts for local musicians, and a pizza and movie night among many other activities. Contact Jayna Schaaf at (308) 696- 3355 or email [email protected]
4-County Mentoring Program, Pawnee County (3,100 pop. Multi-community) – The 4-County Mentoring Program serves youth ages 8-17 who reside in Johnson, Nemaha, Pawnee and Richardson counties. The program matches youth with adults who serve as positive role models and encourage youth to set and achieve goals. Contact Sylvia Mickelson at (402) 852-3141.
Fantastic Youth Involvement in Petersburg, Petersburg (362 pop.) – A young person in the community approached the Village Board about improving a long grass boulevard on Main Street as part of a project to receive her Gold Award in Girl Scouts. First, she asked the board’s permission, and then met with a professional landscaper to develop a computerized plan to present to the board. Many volunteers helped plant 32 low-growing ground coverings and an apple tree. Petersburg youth also reopened the Petersburg Youth Center. Volunteers painted the walls, varnished the floor, donated furniture, and helped raised money to run the center. Contact Kelsey Claar at (402) 386-5605.
Youth Identification Project, Ravenna (1,341 pop.) – More than 670 youth, from newborns to high school seniors, participated in a Youth Identification Project on behalf of the Ravenna FBLA Chapter. Participants were voluntarily fingerprinted and submitted personal profiles. Area nurses volunteered to help with the DNA swabbing process while the Ravenna Police Department staff assisted with fingerprinting. Kinder Morgan & Ravenna KM for Kids, and Two Rivers Public Health Department provided financial support for the project. Contact Vicki Schmidt at (308) 452-3959 or email [email protected].
Youth Involvement, Seward – Keeping the title of Nebraska’s Official Fourth of July City takes a lot of hard work that Seward’s youth are willing to undertake. The youth meet monthly during a school day to help plan the community’s trademark event. The committee is required to name a Seward High School student as coordinator, and junior and senior youth as co-chairs. The teamwork of youth and adults provides a wonderful learning opportunity for everyone involved. Contact Clark Kolterman at (402) 643- 6138.
FCCLA Community Service and “Operation Duct Tape,” Sidney (6,282 pop.) – Students in Sidney Public School’s Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America Chapter (FCCLA) implemented several community service projects throughout the year. One activity, Loved Ones over SeaS (LOSS) involved students making neckbands that soak up water and help cool soldiers. Also, the group held a first birthday party for a child whose parents were both serving in Iraq. Another activity, Support Our Soldiers (SOS), helped to launch an extensive campaign to collect donations of money and supplies, write letters, make neckbands and food snacks, and send care packages to the troops overseas. Contact Nancy Rexroth at (308) 254-5893. SIFE – Students In Free Enterprise, Sidney (6,282 pop.) – A SIFE team was organized in Sidney to serve the Panhandle of Nebraska by offering free enterprise education. The SIFE team, along with their faculty advisor, applies classroom experiences to develop and implement educational outreach programs that teach individuals about the principles of market economics, entrepreneurship, personal financial success,
6 and business ethics. They select a new project each month and create a written annual report of all the projects completed that year. They also compete against other SIFE teams in the region. Contact Rich Cecava at (308) 254-5450.
Railroad Crossing Safety, St. Edward (796 pop.) – The Railroad Crossing Safety project was planned and conducted by members of the St. Edward FCCLA Chapter with the help and support of many individuals and agencies throughout the St. Edward area. The project included three assembly programs at St. Edward School, classroom lessons presented to grades K-6, an educational presentation at the Senior Citizens Center, writing and airing Public Service Announcements on seven radio stations, sponsoring a poster contest on railroad safety, and coordinating a mock train accident on the tracks that run through St. Edward. A grant from Kinder Morgan’s KM for Kids Program was awarded for the project. Contact Kalie Whidden at (402) 678-2282 or email [email protected].
Youth Leadership 4-H Grant and Resulting Y.C.I.P. Project, Stromsburg (1,232 pop.) – After applying for and receiving a grant from the National 4-H Council and the Land O’Lakes Foundation, Stromsburg Y.C.I.P. members began to develop L.E.A.P. (Leaders Energizing Activities in Partnership). Stromsburg students met and decided that the grant money could best be invested in installing new hoops on the basketball facilities at the park. Contact Colleen Pallas at (402) 747-2321.
“ Operation Clean-Up, Stuart (625 pop.) – Students involved with the Stuart High School Mock Trial Team decided they needed to give something back to the community and organized a number of cleanup projects around the community. The community was divided into four equal sections and students were divided into teams with five to six members each. Each group toured their quadrant and photographed eyesores to help determine the top priorities. Some projects included mowing a grown-over area in front of a local restaurant and spraying weeds in the median of a road. Contact Katie Madsen at (402) 924- 3302 or email [email protected].
Superior FFA Chapter – “Leadership: It Is Up to Me,” Superior (2,050 pop.) – Youth Safety Promotions and Natural Resources Promotions were the two areas of focus for the Superior FFA Chapter. A rural safety speech contest was held, with 26 students participating. Members also organized a local food, field, and floral show at the local grocery store that drew nearly 100 entries. A daylong Progressive Farmer Rural Safety camp was held for third fourth graders. Other projects were designed to help train students in the correct hand-cleaning method and water testing. Contact Mr. Dave Barnard at (402) 879- 3257 or email [email protected].
7 Community Development
Public Works, Facilities, Services and Planning
Community Development Celebrate Burwell – Paving a Bright and Beautiful Future, Burwell (1,082 pop.) – The three-tiered project brought life back into Burwell’s downtown business district. The project included repaving all streets, sidewalks and curbs in the business district and bringing the city into compliance with the American with Disabilities Act, installing new traffic lights and pedestrian lights along the business district and burying all electrical cables, and creating new green space along the sidewalks. Contact Lynn Kratky at (308) 346-5375 or email [email protected].
Downtown Improvement, Farnam (227 pop.) – The Farnam Economic Development Corporation (FEDC) began looking for ways to improve the appearance of the downtown area. Broken and dangerous sidewalks were replaced, and the FEDC approached the owners of dilapidated buildings about having them removed. As a result, nearly three blocks of new sidewalks have helped to make the community safer, and two lots have been vacated for potential new or expanding businesses. Contact Kent Pieper at (308) 569-2360.
Downtown Alleyway Project, Grand Island (42,940 pop.) – In a four-phase project spanning 23 city blocks and 7000 feet of alleyway, power lines from 130 utility poles were removed, a new underground electric system was installed, drainage improvements were made, alleys paved, and pedestrian alleyway lighting was installed. The project is the culmination of years of planning by the downtown development director, downtown business and property owners, and city staff. Contact Joni Kuzma at (308) 385-5444 Ext. 248 or email [email protected].
19 th Addition to the City of Wisner, Wisner (1,270 pop.) – Several years ago, the Wisner Community Development, Inc. purchased six acres of farmland near the city’s boundaries. In 2004, two building projects came together, prompting the annexation and subdivision of the property to ready the land for new construction. Contact Lee Myers at (402) 529-3338 or email [email protected].
Fire and Medical Expansion/Renovation: Healthcare-Ready for the Future, Gothenburg (3,600 pop.) – Gothenburg Memorial Hospital underwent a $3.5 million, 7,460-squarefoot addition to and 15,580-squarefoot renovation with the future of health care in mind. The new addition includes two trauma rooms, a decontamination room, admissions desk, waiting area, men’s and women’s changing areas, a new pre- operation room, operation and recovery area, and a new labor, delivery, recovery, and postpartum room. The project also includes the addition of equipment, including Computerized Axial Tomography (CAT), which allows patients to undergo diagnostic services locally. The hospital foundation and a USDA loan helped finance the project. Contact Jen Wolf and Jeanne Janssen at (308) 537-7275 or email [email protected].
8 Operation Equipment and Training, Pilger (378 pop.) – Operation Equipment and Training involved creating a list of equipment needed by the Pilger Volunteer Fire & Rescue Department, finding the funding to finance the need, and training staff to use the equipment. The Nebraska Health Care Cash Fund ($10,000) helped purchase a patient cot, portable suctioning devices, extrication equipment, and other pieces of equipment. More than $32,000 was raised from: the Nebraska Emergency Medical Service for Children, the Kiwanis Foundation, the Nebraska Forest Service Volunteer Assistance Program, a GSK/Tums-First Responder Institute Grant Program, and a grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Contact Kimberly Neiman at (402) 396-3133 or email [email protected]
Planning Grand Island/Hall County Comprehensive Plan, Grand Island (42,940 pop.) – The new comprehensive plan replaces a 1992 plan and is designed to promote orderly growth and development for the city during the next 20 years. A 28-member steering committee, with varying interests in the city, was formed to gather data and public input for the plan. Committee members used disposable cameras to take photographs of community likes and dislikes, including places, buildings, intersections, bridges, and neighborhoods. Four town hall meetings were held to gather public comment and rank photos. Also, a short four-question survey was distributed to community members to learn about their vision for the community. Financial resources were solicited from the Nebraska Department of Roads, a Project Impact grant from FEMA, and the city of Grand Island. Contact Joni Kuzma at (308) 385-5444 Ext. 248 or email jkuzma@grand- island.com.
Schools Built on a Foundation of Education, Gothenburg (3,600 pop.) – A new junior/senior high school building was constructed, renovations were made to the Community Building, and Dudley Elementary School was improved and expanded as part of Gothenburg’s project to support education. Hundreds of volunteers helped educate the public on the benefits of the project, and a bond issue was passed to help fund the $12.3 million project. More than 420 student and adult volunteers helped move contents of the old school into the new facility, and a grand opening was held in conjunction with the newly-remodeled hospital. Contact Bev Tiktemeier at (308) 537-2306 or email [email protected].
Operation Cool Down, Hebron (1,550 pop.) – The Thayer Central Elementary Parent Involvement Group met and established the goal of providing air conditioning in the two elementary buildings as the primary focus for the 2003-2004 school year. Bids were received and a year’s plan was developed to achieve the goal. A fundraising plan was created and volunteers raised more than $14,000 in seven months by running concession stands, holding cake raffles, hosting hamburger feeds, and selling bread dough pins. Contact Kurk Wiedel at (402) 768-7287 or email [email protected].
9 Swimming Pools Alliance Municipal Swimming Pool, Alliance (8,959 pop.) – Because the old pool had developed serious structural and maintenance problems, and posed health and accessibility issues, a new pool was built in Alliance. Volunteers from numerous organizations shared ideas about what the new pool should include, and a naming contest was held for the facility. Adventurous citizens now enjoy a large waterslide, a mushroom water-dripping feature, and an easy access, zero-depth entry area. The facility also includes a lap swimming area and a sun turf tanning area. A local one-quarter center sales tax was passed to help offset the pool’s cost. Contact Kitty McKee at (308) 762-5400 or email [email protected].
New Swimming Pool, Seward (6,319 pop.) – Seward residents now enjoy their summers hanging out at the new community pool. The pool features a water slide, two diving towers, spring board diving, lap swimming, a shallow play area for zero-depth entry, heated water, lights for night swimming, a full concession stand, and an ADA compliant bath house. Contact Dan Berlowitz at (402) 643-2928.
Surveys City Survey of December 2003, Wisner (1,270 pop.) – The city of Wisner and the Northeast Nebraska Economic Development District conducted a survey of attitudes and incomes in Wisner. Wisner Bucks, good for $5 at local merchants, were given at the local banks to anyone who presented their survey coupon and reported they had mailed their survey to Norfolk to be tallied. The actual surveys were mailed, but high school students volunteered to deliver survey reminders to each household in the community. The community garnered a 69.4% response rate thanks to the hard work of many volunteers. Contact Lee Myers at (402) 529-3338 or email [email protected].
Water Pawnee County RW #1, Pawnee County (3,100 pop. Multi-community) – Pawnee County received a USDA grant of $170,400 and a 40-year, 4.5% USDA loan to cover the costs needed to develop two area water wells. Each well can easily produce 450 gallons per minute and max out at 700- 750 gallons per minute. The project included designing and building the wells, installing about 14 miles of transmission main to the main pumping station, and upgrading parts of the current system. Contact Gary Bedea at 402-852-2019.
Sidney Water Project 2004, Sidney (6,282 pop.) – After the local water system was shut down, Sidney residents collaborated to pull off one of the most massive public works projects in the area’s history. The city purchased land where a good water supply was found and 12 wells were drilled. Next a 30-inch pipe was laid along 18 miles of country roads to bring the water into the city and industrial park. The project cost nearly $10 million and was funded by 28 local, state, and federal organizations. Contact (308) 254- 7002 or email [email protected].
10 Environmental Projects and Awareness
Keep Alliance Beautiful Recycling Program, Alliance (8,959 pop.) – Keep Alliance Beautiful was organized a recycling program after the community was left without a recycling business. After researching the best possible options, the group applied for and received a Nebraska State Recycling Association grant to help fund a 10-compartment trailer. The success of the first portion of the project led the group to apply for and receive a grant from the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality to fund another trailer and hire a recycling coordinator. Contact Norma Kuhlman at (308) 762-4432 or email [email protected].
Household Hazardous Waste Collection, Atkinson (1,244 pop.) – Phone calls were made, flyers were distributed, newspaper and radio ads were placed, and volunteers were recruited to inform community members about the upcoming hazardous waste collection event. On the day of the event, brochures on the do’s and don’ts of disposing hazardous materials were distributed to attendees. More than 5,350 pounds of hazardous waste was collected and safely disposed. Contact Joyce Hillman at (402) 925-5313 or [email protected].
Demolition of Porter Oil Building & Motel, Chappell (983 pop.) – An abandoned building that had become a community eyesore was purchased by a new community member and burned by the local fire department, creating an area for future development. Contact Joel Jay at (308) 874-9934.
Scrap Tire Clean-Up for Clay County, Edgar (539 pop.) – The city of Edgar led efforts to keep Clay County beautiful when it received a $27,700 grant from the State of Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality to collect and haul away scrap tires. Edgar residents directed and managed the endeavor by collecting and hauling away almost 200 tons of scrap tires from three sites. Contact Pam Maynard (402) 225-2351 or email [email protected]
Spring Household Hazardous Waste Collection, Gage County (25,000 pop. Multi-community) – Local volunteers held the area’s first household hazardous waste collection in nearly a decade. A grant from the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality was used to collect and dispose of household hazardous wastes in an eight-county area of southeast Nebraska. More than 470 patrons brought in 13 tons of paint and solvents, more than a ton of pesticides, 7,100 pounds of batteries, and other products such as oil, antifreeze, and acid to be disposed of properly. Contact Jeff Jensby at (402) 228-8206 or email [email protected].
Community Education and Awareness of Environmental Programs at the Gering Landfill, Gering (7,751 pop.) – The City of Gering Sanitation Department provides education and environmental awareness training for schools, educational service units, and businesses on topics regarding the landfill operations, the bale facility, and the recycling and composting facility. This four-hour session includes classroom instruction and tours of the facilities. Contact Pam Richter at (308) 436-5096 or email [email protected].
11 Cedar River Monitoring and Cleanup Teams, Loup Basin Region (35,000 pop. Multi-community) – A committee was formed to address growing concerns about the erosion occurring along the Cedar River. The group secured funding to assist 12 landowners with cost share assistance for erosion control structures and practices. In addition to assistance to landowners, education was provided on water quality and quantity, and best management practices. Area schools formed teams to clean up local rivers. The Cedar River Monitoring Team measured channel width, conducted chemical water tests, measured the water’s temperature, photographed the site, created a GPS of the stream bank and developed maps of the site, and took extensive notes on the land’s condition. Contact Vicki Bauer at (308) 728-3393.
Loup Basin RC&D Waste Collections & Environmental Education, Loup Basin Region (35,000 pop. Multi-community) – The Loup Basin RC&D hosted a special waste collection throughout the nine-county area, collecting used tires, cell phones, and hazardous wastes. Also the Ord FFA continued its annual farmstead cleanup by clearing out an area junkyard. Finally, a number of environmental education events were held including the Environmental Festival, Groundwater Festival, and Trash Bash. Contact Karen Wilson at (308) 728-3393 or email [email protected].
Great American Cleanup Event, Scottsbluff (14,732 pop.) – The Great American Cleanup Event helped to educate, cleanup, and beautify the Scottsbluff area. Projects in the event included, a Spring Fling Booth with cleanup information, proclamation signings, downtown business area cleanups, a perennial exchange, and a litter poster-coloring contest. Contact Kathy Kropuenske at (308) 632-4649 or email [email protected].
Stuart Recycling Center, Stuart (625 pop.) – To help preserve the environment, Stuart residents constructed and operate a recycling center. Eight different recyclables are collected and sorted in the new center, including paper, cardboard, paperboard, aluminum, plastic, magazines, metal, and tin cans. The center is open two days a week and annually collects about 112,000 pounds of recyclables. Contact Rick Shearer at (402) 340-4591 or email [email protected].
Community Services
After School Programs and Child Care Centers K.I.D.S. Klub and the Junction Community Connections Learning Centers, North Platte (23,878 pop.) – The project was designed to expand learning beyond the classroom through before-and after-school programs to all elementary and middle schools. The before-school program engages in learning readiness activities, while the goal of the after-school program is to create an academic and activity rich environment that provides a positive bridge between school and home. A Peter Kiewit Grant and a 21st Century Community Learning Centers Grant helped to fund these two programs. The before-school program is now offered to nearly 150 students, while the after-school program reaches 170 students. In addition, programming is offered on early dismissal and non-school days and focuses on topics such as manners and healthy lifestyles. Contact Michael Davis at (308) 696-3360 or email [email protected].
12 Building Blocks Child Care and Learning Center, Ravenna (1,341 pop.) – The Daycare Board worked with the city of Ravenna to obtain CDBG funding for a new daycare facility. The land chosen for the new center was annexed and new sewer and water lines were installed along the streets where the new daycare center would be. Five acres were purchased to house the new center and 10 other lots for new housing development. Benefits offered by the new center include: CPR/first aid certified staff, dependable hours of operation from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday thru Friday, low child to staff ratios, nutritious meals and snacks, transportation to school, and expanded services, such as ballet and tap dancing. Contact Vicki Schmidt at (308) 452-3959 or email [email protected].
Assisted Living and Housing Spec House and Lot Cleanup, Bassett (743 pop.) – A group of concerned citizens met to discuss what to do about blighted areas in town and formed the Bassett Development Corporation. Twenty-five members joined the corporation and a non-profit 501C status was established. The Site Acquisition Committee toured the town, took photos of unkempt lots and dilapidated homes, and contacted owners regarding their property and the process in which it could be given to the community and the process was underway. A spec home was built on one lot, with other housing projects soon to be completed. Funding was provided by a zero interest loan from the Bassett Foundation. Contact Pat Thompson at (402) 684-3950 or email [email protected].
Habitat for Humanity, St. Paul (2,218 pop.) – The St. Paul Rotary Club formed a partnership with the Grand Island Area Habitat for Humanity to build a Habitat home for a St. Paul family. The Rotary solicited housing applicants who were then screened and selected by the Grand Island Area Habitat for Humanity. A total of $29,000 was raised for this project, with a large portion of the funds ($15,000) coming from the Rotary selling scrap iron they had been collected for several years. Contact Rev. Tom Hyde at (308) 754-4247 or email [email protected].
The Plaza Addition to the Midwest Covenant Home, Stromsburg (1,232 pop.) – An addition to the Midwest Covenant Home, and conversion of part of the existing nursing facility provided the space needed to increase the number of assisted living units from nine to 30. Matching state grants were used to fund the $1.5 million project. Contact Judy Anderson at (402) 764-2711.
Miscellaneous Eustis Area Community Foundation, Eustis (464 pop.) – Having won a cash award at the NCIP banquet, the Eustis NCIP donated the money toward the start up of the Eustis Community Foundation. The group researched the accomplishments of other communities’ foundations, and the necessary steps for establishing a foundation. A committee was formed and bylaws were approved. More than $30,000 was raised within the first six months of the foundation’s existence. Contact Susan Strong at (308) 486-5560.
Eustis-Farnam School Staff Play NTV Staff in Basketball, Farnam (227 pop.) – A basketball game between staff of the Eustis-Farnam Schools and members of the NTV crew from Kearney raised funds for the Farnam Economic Development Corporation and involved residents from both communities. During half time, teams entered a free throw contest, and the winning team received one-half the total entry fees paid by all teams. A barbeque followed the game, with much of the food being donated. More than $600 was raised from the event, and $200 was given to the Eustis-Farnam Education Association for scholarship purposes. Contact Dan Widick at (308) 569-2333 or email [email protected].
Lot Clean-Up, Farnam (227 pop.) – Six lots in Farnam have been cleaned up for future housing and other projects. Houses or other dilapidated buildings were burned down and the cement and bricks were
13 cleaned off three other lots. The Farnam Economic Development Corporation contacted property owners to get permission to either clean the lots or get the owners to clean their own respective lots. Contact Dan Widick at (308) 569-2333 or email [email protected].
Outdoor Education: Connecting Youth and Community, Gothenburg (3,600 pop.) – The Outdoor Education program, offered to sixth grade students at Dudley Elementary School, extends classroom activities with hands-on outdoor activities and develops a stronger connection between youth and the community. The program takes place twice during the school year. Community members offer their expertise in various areas by teaching rotating units to the students. The community also collaborated with King Elementary School in Omaha, allowing 12 students and three teachers from Omaha to experience life in a more rural, outdoor area, and 12 students and two teachers from Gothenburg to tour the Henry Doorly Zoo. Contact Corrine Auld at (308) 537-3651 or email [email protected].
First Annual North Platte Literary Festival, North Platte (23,878 pop.) – The First Annual North Platte Literary Festival brought authors, publishers, readers, cover artists, and lovers of all things literary together to learn from one another. Local authors signed copies of their books and talked about their writing experiences in a local bookstore. Free workshops on creativity, self-publishing, news writing, creating cover art, family storytelling, and how to get started writing were presented in the Espresso Shoppe. Downtown stores hosted puppet shows for children, videotaping of memories, photo displays, and the Get a Clue Literary Festival Contest. Contact Ann Milton at (308) 534-0144 or email [email protected]
Road Runner, North Platte (23,878 pop.) – The Road Runner is a route bus that runs a fixed route around the town five days a week. There is no need to schedule a ride; all you have to do is show up at a scheduled stop or anywhere along the route. This service, available to everyone in North Platte, runs from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. each weekday. The bus makes six laps around the route each day and costs 50 cents per boarding. The ridership has grown to an average daily count of 55 riders per day. Contact Marilee Hyde at (308) 535-6772 or email [email protected].
Patriotic Memorials, Pawnee County (3,100 pop. Multi-community) – The county undertook various projects to thank all veterans in the area for all they have done and continue to do for the United States. Steinauer residents built a memorial park, while Burchard volunteers erected a flag display. The Memorial Park contains a spotlighted 3’ by 5’ flag on a 20-foot pole, a large rock with a plaque, trees, bushes, and brick sidewalk. Flags also were placed on the light poles along the main street leading into town. In Burchard, 34 flags were placed on poles along the main streets. Contact Bob Gyhra at (402) 869-2276.
14 Life on the Farm, Plainview (1,330 pop.) – The project was designed to help all people, especially children, gain a better understanding of farming and products that come from the farm, and give them an opportunity to see where products purchased in the store come from. Displays featured a number of food products made from raw farm commodities and crops, such as cheese, flour, noodles, and corn. Give- away bags containing literature and recipe brochures were handed out. Participants also gained hands-on farming experience milking a “calf bottle” to work like cow’s udders and by collecting eggs underneath hand-made cloth chickens. Contact Audrey Green at (402) 582-4433.
Hometown Competitiveness, Stuart (625 pop.) – Hometown Competitiveness is a cooperative effort between the Nebraska Community Foundation and Center for Rural Entrepreneurship, and the communities of Stuart and Atkinson. The concept is to combine leadership development, entrepreneurship, philanthropy, and youth entrepreneurship into a community action plan. The goal is to identify and utilize existing resources to create a positive environment that fosters viable long-term growth within the community. Contact Jon Schmaderer at (402) 924-3905 or email [email protected].
Public Facilities Beautification of the Community Center, Alexandria (225 pop.) – Alexandria’s Village Board improved the community center in an effort to brighten the appearance of the town along the main highway running through the community. The project included painting the community building, repairing and repainting the picnic shelter, painting picnic tables, weeding the playground area, finishing the inside walls of the gym entrance with insulation and paneling, and planting the Alexandria Alumni Memorial Garden. Contact Jean Pletcher at (402) 749-3255.
Frank M. Farr Senior Center, Aurora (4,300 pop.) – A committee was formed to build a first-class senior center to meet the needs of Aurora’s senior citizens. Slightly less than $1 million was raised from various fundraising endeavors to offset the costs of the 10,000-square-feet building. Contact Barb Graham at (402) 694-2176.
Kimball Senior Friendship Center Renovation Project, Kimball (2,559 pop.) – After termite damage was discovered in the Kimball Senior Friendship Center’s kitchen, it needed to be completely renovated. New walls and flooring were installed along with new cabinets and sinks. In anticipation of rising heating and cooling costs, three new furnaces with air conditioning were installed. Grants, memorials, friends, and local businesses provided funds for the project. One unique fundraiser was the Used Handbag Luncheon where several used handbags and billfolds were sold. In each were gifts valued between $5 and $25. Attendees purchased tickets to bid on the bags in silent auction fashion. Contact Mary Lukassen at (308) 235-22998.
Thanks a Million Chapter II/Lexington Public Library, Lexington (10,100 pop.) – Through a unified community effort, the city of Lexington passed a $1.5 million bond issue and raised private donations to build a new library for the community. The new 18,500 square foot facility has space for seating 82 adults and 24 children, three meeting rooms, and areas for technology and genealogy. Contact Ted Cook at (308) 324-3733 or email [email protected].
15 Library Made Modern, Nelson (587 pop.) – Volunteers solicited funds and researched equipment before purchasing a reader/printer and introducing wireless Internet to the community’s library. A larger volume of information is now stored thanks to the new equipment. Contact DeAnna Tuttle at (402) 463-4565 or email [email protected].
Auditorium Renovation Project, Wayne (5,583 pop.) – Through public forums and subsequent committee meetings a list of needs was generated for renovating the city auditorium. Funding for the project came from a one percent sales tax implemented for a five-year time period. The auditorium now features updated locker rooms, windows, steps, and a soundproof ceiling. Contact Gloria Kuhlmeyer at (402) 375- 1733.
Safety and Health Dental Day VI, Alliance (8,959 pop.) - Dental Day VI involved a two-day clinic where underprivileged children received free dental care. The dental care included conceivable treatment from hygiene education and cleaning to oral surgery. Seventy-two dental students and faculty members from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln traveled 400 miles across the state to provide this service to 100 underprivileged children. Contact Bonnie Wallace at (308) 762-6660 or email [email protected].
Operation: Buckle Up, Atkinson (1,244 pop.) – The area FCCLA headed a project to increase the number rate of families and parents correctly using child safety seats in the community of Atkinson. Several small projects were undertaken including, giving a presentation at the preschool, placing signs around the community, and delivering information and activities to local daycares to help people better understand the importance of the issue. Contact Laurie Hansen at (402) 925-5313 or email [email protected].
Cedar County Community Caretakers, Hartington (1,640 pop.) – The Caretakers Program features four basic categories through which the elderly, and low-income families can work to attain a better quality of life. Chronically ill individuals of any age continue living alone with the assurance that emergency help is only a button away. The Food Pantry Program provides food for families or individuals who have been recommended as needing assistance. The Hospice Program consists of volunteers who provide comfort and support for those who are terminally ill and homebound. The Alzheimer’s Program, the newest component to the program, is currently under development to assist patients dealing with Alzheimer’s and families and individuals who take care of them. Contact Alice Pommer at (402) 254-6670 or email [email protected].
Hayes Center Volunteer Department, Hayes County (1,019 pop. Multi-community) – The Hayes Center Fire Department and Ambulance Crew consists of 24 members, with 11 trained EMTs who constantly strive to upgrade equipment and training skills. Several members attend the state fire school each year and EMT classes are offered and attended by members through distance learning facilities at the local school. The department is run solely on donations and grants, including Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Homeland Securities grants. Contact Doris Vlasin at (308) 286-3463 or email [email protected].
16 Rescue Squad Training, Pawnee County (3,100 pop. Multi-community) – The Burchard Quick Response Team and Pawnee City Rescue Squad recruited and trained new people to provide the best possible service to the area. Some training events included the 75 hour Quick Response program, the 150 hour Emergency Medical Technician course, and the 6 hour CPR and Defibrillator course. All county squads have monthly meetings and attend continuing educations classes in the area. All squads also got together for a countywide EMS meeting – the first county in the state to do this. Contact Marcia Borcher at (402) 869-2342.
Super Active Volunteer Fire Department in Petersburg, Petersburg (362 pop.) – Petersburg has 31 firemen, 17 emergency medical assistants, and seven first responders – all who are volunteers. They receive monthly training in procedures including using the Jaws of Life, stabilizing the injured and sick, and safe ways to enter burning buildings. The majority of funding comes from the annual barbeque, dance and raffle, which brings in nearly $6,000. Contact Dale Salber at (402) 386-5696.
Self Contained Breathing Apparatus, Ravenna (1,341 pop.) – A $62,493 Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grant was awarded to the Ravenna Fire Department to help purchase 10 self contained breathing apparatuses (SCBA) with spare cylinders, one root pack, and 20 new stored message pagers. The new equipment is used in emergency situations such as entering a burning building or area containing harmful gasses. Contact Larry Wilke at (308) 452-3831.
Hospital Improvement – Phase I, Seward (6,319 pop.) – Memorial Hospital underwent major renovations as part of a two-phase project to improve the quality of life in Seward. The hospital now has new and improved services, including a laboratory, central nurses station, nursery, CT Scan/Radiology services, 15-bed patient wing, and new imaging equipment. Financing for this $6.5 million construction project included public donations and low interest financing. Contact Carol Carlson at (402) 643-4800.
National Night Out, South Sioux City – National Night Out was held to promote police-community partnerships; crime, drug, and violence prevention; safety; and neighborhood unity. The event was a combined effort of the city of South Sioux City, civic groups and local companies to sponsor family activities that promoted community awareness and involvement. Activities included a patrol car display, bike decorating contest, bike safety check, and a hamburger and hot dog cookout. Contact Jeanette McFee at (402) 494-7555 or email [email protected].
Parks, Recreation, and Forestry
Park and Recreation Improvements Enhance Appearance and Functionality of Municipal Park System, Bancroft (520 pop.) – Bancroft volunteers worked to improve and enhance the community park to better serve the needs of community residents. A park clean up and repair weekend was held, involving more than 75 people of all ages. A community tree assessment was completed with the help of the U.S. Department of Agriculture – Natural Resources Conservation Services and the Nebraska Forest Service to develop a park landscape plan and obtain Tree City, USA designation. Contact Jon Cerny at (402) 648-3336 or email [email protected].
17 Cuming County Fairgrounds, Cuming County (10,203 pop. Multi-community) – Since 1993, the Cuming County Ag Society has made numerous additions and improvements to the county fairgrounds and adjacent city park. The project included adding new United States flags and a 25-foot tall refurbished windmill, as well as moving a country church to the fairgrounds. Funds also were raised to build a machinery building and a poultry and rabbit barn. A non-profit organization, Fndtn, was formed to help provide funding to pave the street running through the fairgrounds, and to make the grounds handicap accessible. Contact LeRoy Meiergerd at (402) 528-3667.
Playground Improvement, Farnam (227 pop.) – Volunteers worked to replace seven-year-old woodchips with p-gravel to provide a safe surface for the children playing on the equipment. The Farnam Volunteer Fire Department cleared out the old woodchips and the local grain co-op donated time and equipment to haul in the new gravel. The YCIP kids then spread out the gravel around the park area. Contact Kent Pieper at (308) 569-2360.
Hartington Beautification – Peter Kiewit Foundation, Hartington (1,640 pop.) – The city of Hartington received a $9,231 matching grant from the Peter Kiewit Foundation to support preparations underway to welcome people to the area for the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial. With the funds, the community was able to purchase new directional highway signs, landscaping for the city library, flower benches, two Private George Shannon flags, two flag poles and U.S. flags, new Welcome to Hartington Banners, a new Welcome to Hartington sign. The Future Farmers of American (FFA) Chapter helped assemble the benches, a church group provided funds for the flowers, Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) employees assembled and hung the banners downtown, and the library provided matching funds for the landscaping projects. Contact Carla Becker at (402) 254-6357 or email [email protected].
Improvements at Petersburg Community Park, Petersburg (362 pop.) – Volunteers in the community gave Petersburg’s park a new look in 2004. A new shelter house was erected, new water lines were installed, and lawn maintenance equipment was purchased. One unique aspect of the project involved the stenciling of names into the cement pathways leading visitors through the park. Contact Doug Koch at (402) 386-5335.
City Park Beautification, Stuart (625 pop.) – Three major projects were undertaken to improve and beautify several areas of Stuart’s city park. An ice skating rink was constructed, a new park shelter with restrooms was built, and a youth soccer program was created to provide additional recreational opportunities for youth in the area. Funding was attained through private donations, grants, and tax funds. Contact Lyle Shearer at (402) 924-3326 or email [email protected].
Playground Equipment Lions Club Playground Equipment Project, Ainsworth (1,870 pop.) – By enhancing the playground experience, Ainsworth residents hoped to make the park more attractive to tourism events. Phase I, designed to target children aged two to five, involved the removal of outdated and non-compliant structures and the installation of a new code-compliant climbing and slide system, a large slide, and separate toddler swings. Phase II, targeting children in the five to 12 year age group, consisted of the erection of bars, rings, and other agility developing equipment. Contact James Arens at (402) 387-2381 or [email protected]
18 City Park Playground Equipment, Laurel (981 pop.) – The Tuesday Club, Laurel’s local federated women’s club, improved the existing playground by installing safe, modern equipment. The playground’s new apparatus provides activity opportunities that stimulate the imaginations of children, improve motor skills, and challenge physical abilities in a fun way. The club’s largest fundraiser “Christmas in Jul,” was held at the home of one member and featured beautiful decorations, crafts for sale, dinner, and live dancing. Contact Annette Junck at (402) 256-9614.
Sports and Recreation Lincoln Creek Bridge, Aurora (4,300 pop.) – The addition of a unique bridge connected the Lincoln Creek Hike-Bike Trail in Aurora. The bridge was designed by an engineering professor at the University of Nebraska and takes advantage of the best attributes of concrete, steel, and fiber-reinforced plastics. The trail has doubled in length and more hikers and bicyclists use the trail as a result of the $60,000 bridgeaddition. Contact Bill Whitney at (402) 694-5535.
Stolley Park Disc Golf Course, Grand Island (42,940 pop.) – A nine-hole disc golf course was built at Grand Island Stolley Park. The course is free to the public, people of all ages and skill levels can participate, and golf discs are available from local vendors. To make this the best disc golf course in the state, extensive research was done, including closely examining existing courses in the state. The course is now home to two disc golf leagues and a number of tournaments. Contact Joni Kuzma at (308) 385- 5444 Ext. 248 or email [email protected].
Plum Creek Hiking and Biking Trail, Seward (6,319 pop.) – The 2.5-mile, $825,000 Plum Creek Hiking and Biking Trail was financed by the Upper Blue Natural Resource District, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission-Nebraska Trail Development Assistance, Nebraska Department of Roads, and the city of Seward. Contact Steve Ferguson at (402) 643-6311.
Klasey Park Grandstand/Naming of Rick Voss Fields, South Sioux City (11,925 pop.) – To attract more baseball tournaments to the area, South Sioux City’s American Legion Baseball Program constructed a grandstand for the baseball field. Various local groups and businesses assisted financially to make the $50,000 project possible. An opening ceremony was held, in which the South Sioux City Council named the grandstand and baseball field Voss Fields in honor of Rick Voss, a dedicated American Legion baseball volunteer. Contact Jack Wardell at (402) 494-7540 or email jwardell@southsioux city.org.
Community Roping Area, Springview (292 pop.) – Springview area residents banded together to preserve the farm and ranch way of life. More than $13,000 was raised to purchase an arena, and benches and bleachers that were constructed by local volunteers. A utility company volunteered its time to install in a water line to the arena and an area electric company donated poles and wires to get electricity to the arena. Additional land was needed to accommodate the arena as planned, and a local landowner generously granted a 99-year lease to his property to make the project a reality. Contact Larry Shepperd at (402) 497-2493.
19 Ord Trail Project, Valley County (4,649 pop. Multi-community) – The Ord pedestrian-bicycle trail provides excellent recreational opportunities for area residents and tourists. The trail consists of 5,600 feet of concrete surface, including a 74-foot handicap accessible bridge crossing Dane Creek. The trail is fully lighted with several benches and picnic tables. A Transportation Enhancement Grant and other grant sources helped fund the project. Contact Paul Markowski at (308) 728-3130 or email [email protected].
Arts and Humanities
Art Mural, Bassett (743 pop.) – A new mural was painted over an old, faded mural on a downtown building. After visiting with Rock County Historical Society members, and touring various historical sites, The Rock County High School art class designed the mural to take the viewer through the history of the area, beginning with the Lewis and Clark Expedition and ending with landmark buildings that are now part of the community. Contact Pat Thompson at (402) 684-3950 or email [email protected].
Kimball Beautification Through Art, Kimball (2,559 pop.) – This multi-faceted project helped increase involvement in and awareness of the arts in the school and community. Murals were painted in school, a community art show was held, and an “artist of the month” club was started. As part of the “artist of the month” club, a student’s artwork is displayed in area businesses and published in the newspaper. Contact Emily Brooks at (308) 235-4996 or email [email protected].
Events and Festivals FAM Fest 2003, Aurora (4,300 pop.) – The Annual Fall Arts and Music Festival (FAM Fest) provided entertainment for the community, a performance medium for artists, and an economic stimulus for downtown merchants, all while heightening awareness of the arts in the community. Community members and organizations donated approximately $6,000 to help offset the cost of the event. Contact Harry Eckerson at (402) 694-3214.
Living Picture Easter Pageant, Curtis (832 pop.) – Since 1957, Curtis volunteers have produced the Living Picture Easter Pageant. The pageant is presented in 17 still-life scenes, each depicting a familiar event, famous painting, or statuary that leads audience through Holy Week and the Resurrection of Christ. Narration and choral accompaniment bring the story to life. Volunteers prepare the costumes, style wigs, set up the lighting and sound equipment, and usher visitors. A bake sale and a free will offering help fund the pageant. Contact Tom Brown at (308) 367-4121 or email [email protected].
Festival of Trees, Edgar (539 pop.) – The 2003 Festival of Trees included the display of 23 decorated trees, a soup luncheon, a Christmas treat bake sale, a Christmas gift raffle, and Santa arriving on a fire truck. The funds raised from this festival went to match the Community Development Block Grant funds awarded to build a new community center. Contact Pam Maynard at (402) 225-2351 or email [email protected].
20 Western Cultural Arts, Grant County (747 pop. Multi-community) – Western Cultural Arts was created to bring outstanding historical educational experiences to rural Nebraska students. Through the expertise of historical speakers and multicultural groups, students learned about their historical roots. More than 250 students from 22 schools in western Nebraska and 275 community members participated in this outdoor learning event. Contact David W. Andrick at (308) 762-4030 or email [email protected].
Lewis and Clark Heritage Fair, Hartington (1,640 pop.) – The exciting, fun-filled Lewis and Clark Heritage Fair helped educate, inform, and involve the youth and adults of Hartington and area communities in commemorating the Lewis and Clark Expedition. The afternoon event brought together children from grades K-6 to participate in various activities that helped them learn what it was like for Lewis and Clark to travel through uncharted territory. More than 175 kids, plus parents and grandparents attended the event, and 30 local organizations and dozens of volunteers provided “hands-on” booths and activities, including tomahawk demonstrations, food sampling, plant identification, and old-time photos. Contact Monica Kathol at (402) 254-6245 or email [email protected].
Grand Duke Alexis Rendezvous, Hayes County (1,019 pop. Multi-community) – The dream of several community members became a reality when a historic buffalo hunt was held to honor the Grand Duke Alexis of Russia. Several living historians were brought in to portray characters, such as Buffalo Bill Cody, General George Custer, and Sioux Chief Spotted Tail. The Winnebago Mini-Moccasin Dancers also lent their time and talents to perform at the event. The local school lent a bus and driver to transport spectators, and several groups prepared food. Raffles, donations and several grants were awarded to help offset costs. Contact Doris Vlasin at (308) 286-3463 or email [email protected].
Jazz Concert by the Rob Scheps/Zack Brock Quintet, Nebraska City (7,228 pop.) – In 2003, The Kimmel Foundation, a residency program for artists, composers, musicians, and writers, welcomed Rob Scheps, a jazz saxophonist, flautist and composer from Orgeon. During his stay, he offered a free informal jazz concert for the public that created a thirst for jazz music in the area. When Scheps was planning a tour with violinist Zack Brock the following year, he offered to stop at Nebraska City to perform. Program directors sent information packets and fliers to area schools and universities to help a younger demographic gain appreciation for jazz music. More than 90 people attended the performance, with about 20 under the age of 21. Contact Kathy Puzey at (402) 874-9600 or email [email protected].
Chautauqua 2004, From Sea to Shining Sea, Neligh (1,651 pop.) – The Nebraska Humanities Council chose Neligh as a 2004 Chautauqua site. The event was held in conjunction with Neligh’s 4th of July and Old Mill Days celebrations. The four-day event featured food, workshops, singing, a parade, fishing, ice cream, and the wonderful Chautauquans. To raise funding for the event, the Neligh community theater presented six evenings of dinner theater for 500 customers, and numerous community organizations volunteered time to make it a success. Contact Kate Ostenrude at (402) 887-5140 or email [email protected].
21 Nelson Community Club Variety Show, Nelson (587 pop.) – The 2004 Nelson Community Club Variety Show, “Thanks for the Memories,” was planned as a tribute to entertainers and entertainment from the past. Skits were locally written and/or adapted from television programs. All ages were represented, from children who visited Mr. Rogers, to teenagers in the local high school jazz band, to an aging “sisters” act. More than 1,000 people attended the three performances and the nearly $4,000 raised aided several programs in the community. Contact DeAnna Tuttle at (402) 463-4565 or email [email protected].
Miscellaneous The Vietnam Moving Wall, Ainsworth (1,870 pop.) – A community resident put his name on the list to host The Moving Wall, a half-scale replica of the Washington, D.C. Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial that has been touring the country for nearly 20 years. Monthly meetings were held to prepare the community for the arrival of the wall and the duties involved in hosting it. On the day of the wall’s arrival, an opening ceremony was held that included guest speakers, music by the Offutt Air Force Quintet, and the reading of names of all area who gave their lives in the Vietnam War. More than 2,500 people attended the ceremony and many more visited the wall during its five-day stay in Ainsworth. Contact John Gross at (402) 722-4215.
Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Commemoration, South Sioux City (11,925 pop.) – South Sioux City completed four cultural projects to create an awareness of the community’s origin and heritage through education, interpretation, performing arts, and historic preservation projects. South Sioux City was the final stop on the Passport Educational Program, which provided hands-on learning to visitors following the trail through Iowa and Nebraska. The South Sioux City Parks and Recreation received funding to complete an interpretive walkway along the Missouri River, a one-day event that included a Lewis and Clark living history encampment, an American Indian encampment, an adult fishing tournament, and entertainment for all ages. A number of grants, including a Nebraska Toursim Marketing grant, A Nebraska Humanities Council grant, and a National Park Service grant helped fund the events. Contact Donna Goodier at (402) 494-1307 or email [email protected].
Lewis and Clark Activities to Commemorate 200 th Anniversary, Stromsburg (1,232 pop.) – A number of events were held in Stromsburg to commemorate the 1804 Lewis and Clark expedition. The library staff planned brown bag lunch events and contacted two local residents to speak. They also applied for and received grants from the Nebraska Humanities Council to invite Darrell Draper to perform his interpretation of George Drouillard. The chamber arranged for a replica keelboat to visit the community. The summer reading program and Swedish Festival Parade also were designed around the Lewis and Clark Theme. Contact Diana Johnson at (402) 764-7681.
22 Economic Development
Business Assistance and Development
Business Retention and Expansion Love’s Travel Stops and Country Stores, Aurora (4,300 pop.) – The project was to recruit Love’s Travel Stops and Country Stores to build its first Nebraska facility at the Aurora I-80 interchange. First, however, it required the installation of 9,200 feet of utilities from Aurora to the I-80 interchange, land annexation, re-zoning, tax increment financing, and a blight and substandard study. The project resulted in a $3.5 million facility that employs approximately 60 people, and a large tract of land that is ready for future development. Contact Mike Bair at (402) 694-6992 or email [email protected].
Platte Valley Fuel Ethanol Plant, Central City (2,998 pop.) – City officials took necessary steps to secure an ethanol plant. A key element of preparation was the prior passage of a sales tax for economic development. The city used these dollars to purchase an option on land for the anticipated plant. The Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality issued a permit for construction to begin, and during the next 10 months, a 40-million gallon per year ethanol plant was built and put into operation. Contact Chris Anderson at (308) 946-3806 or email [email protected].
Slice of Pie, Eustis (464 pop.) – The Village of Eustis was familiar with The Village Pie Maker business and Eustis Chamber of Commerce members began recruiting the business when they heard the owner was looking to relocate. Several chamber members contacted the owner and invited her to consider Eustis. The owner liked what she saw and moved her business to the community. Village Pie Maker’s three part- time employees and one full-time employee make more than 600 pies per week. Pies are available in grocery stores, specialty shops, and restaurants statewide, and also available by mail order. Contact Judy Brockmeier at (308) 486-5600 or email [email protected]
Keeping Main Street Occupied, Hayes County (1,019 pop. Multi-community) – The town of Hayes Center, and residents of the community and county pride themselves in keeping the area growing and maintaining a prosperous business district. The village of Hayes Center conducted a needs survey learn about the greatest concerns, and local citizens worked to recruit new businesses to the area. As a result, all buildings on Hayes Center’s Main Street are occupied. Contact Pat Hogeland at (308) 286-3211 or email [email protected].
Missionaire International Wheat Growers Project, Kimball (2,559 pop.) – Missionaire International purchased the historic Wheat Growers Hotel and began renovating it to provide inexpensive housing for mission students, corporate offices, and a training center. The project involves five phases: Phase I – purchase the hotel; Phase II – gut the building and begin renovations; Phase III – install a new roof and windows; Phase IV – renovate the back half of the building into student apartments; and Phase V – renovate the front half of the building into offices and classrooms. Contact Jon Foote at (308) 235-4147 or email [email protected].
23 Economic Development for Petersburg, Petersburg (362 pop.) – A young family of six and a couple relocated to Petersburg after working with local citizens and several governmental entities to open a new business. The Boone County Development Agency helped the families establish their well business and find prime real estate on which to open the business. Community residents greeted them upon their arrival, visited the prospective business site, presented them with a Petersburg phone directory, arranged for their son to visit the local school, and accompanied them on several home tours. Contact Henry “Hank” Thieman at (402) 386-5599.
Technology Speculative Building, South Sioux City (11,925 pop.) – A new 10,780 square foot, $1.7 million technology building houses two new businesses that created 20 well-paying jobs and has helped expand South Sioux City’s tax base. Various responsibilities were delegated among volunteers and organizations. Funding was provided by the Siouxland Initiative, Cardinal Development, the Community Development Agency of the City of South Sioux City, U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development, Siouxland Economic Development Corporation, the Department of Commerce Economic Development Agency, the City of South Sioux City, and the Nebraska Department of Economic Development. Contact Gaila Gilliland at (402) 494-9407 or email [email protected].
Town & Country and The Square Cup, Stromsburg (1,232 pop.) – A retail building that had stood vacant for nearly 15 years was renovated to accommodate a new retail store (Town & Country) and a coffee bar (The Square Cup). Community Development Block Grant funding and the use of the community’s Tax Increment Financing program were two major components to the project’s success. Contact Owen Baker at (402) 764-2131 or email [email protected].
Miscellaneous Hometown Help, Atkinson (1,244 pop.) – The online auction campaign, “Hometown Help,” moved beyond traditional fundraising activities, such as bake sales and raffles, by training volunteers how to run online auctions and sell locally donated items on eBay. The training was provided by eKnowledge Institute, a company specializing in providing knowledge and training on how to effectively use eBay as a marketing tool. More than 1,600 items were collected from community businesses and residents and put up for sale on eBay. The more than $10,000 raised from all of the items sold was given to the Atkinson Community Foundation. Contact Patti Skrdla at (402) 925-5420 or email [email protected].
Information Technology Survey as Part of Business Visitation, Edgar (539 pop.) – The Trailblazer Resource Conservations & Development coordinated a Business Visitation Program of communities in seven south central counties. In conjunction with this effort, the city of Edgar also surveyed seven local businesses for input about their information technology capabilities, needs, and future plans. The survey results will provide a foundation for further growth and use of information technology within the community. Contact Pam Maynard at (402) 225-2351 or email [email protected].
24 South Locust Renewal, Grand Island (42,940 pop.) – Business and property owners along the South Locust corridor, along with officials from Downtown Development, the city of Grand Island, the Community Redevelopment Authority and Hall County restored, repaired, and rejuvenated this important entrance into the city. The $7.5 million project funded roadway widening and repaving to five lanes; the installation of curbs and gutters; relocation of utilities; installation of two levels of decorative lighting; planting of seasonal landscaping; construction of a five-foot wide pedestrian walkway; replacement of outdated or obsolete business signage; and formation of a Business Improvement District. Contact Joni Kuzma at (308) 385-5444 Ext. 248 or email [email protected].
Community Supper/Workshop Resource, St. Edward (796 pop.) – More than 70 individuals attended this event, which was designed to provide local citizens with information on available resources available throughout the community. The event kicked off with a free community supper and followed with 10 speakers each giving five-minute presentations on their respective organizations. Representatives from Great Plains Communication, St. Edward Public School, REAP, Grow Nebraska, Nebraska Association of Bed & Breakfasts, and Loup Public Power were present, among many others. A question and answer period closed out the evening. Attendees were encouraged to fill out anonymous comment sheets listing what they would like to see happen in the community. Contact Udine Sindelar at (402) 678-2871 or email [email protected].
Van Dorn Building, Wisner (1,270 pop.) – A two-story building on a corner lot along main street underwent major renovation after standing vacant for more than 20 years. The original brick walls were preserved, but the roof, floors, and supports needed to be replaced. Volunteers also found old photographs and descriptions to assist in refurbishing the building to its original design. Contact Lee Myers at (402) 529-3338 or email [email protected].
Tourism Promotion and Development
Promotion and Marketing Welcome Sign, Kiosk, and Banners, Basset (743 pop.) – “Welcome to Bassett” signs were erected on the east and west entrances to Bassett on Highway 20, new welcome banners were hung on downtown light poles, and a kiosk was built and placed at the entrance of the Bassett City Park. The kiosk contains a city map and lists available businesses and services in Bassett. Other informational pieces were located on the kiosk to provide additional information for visitors. Contact Pat Thompson at (402) 684-3950 or email [email protected].
“ Diller Welcomes You” Sign, Diller (285 pop.) – An attractive and well-lit sign now greets guests and residents traveling to Diller from Highway 136. The sign was a collaboration of volunteer hours, donation of materials, and financial gifts. The 9 x 10 foot brick and steel structure is located seven miles outside of Diller and serves as a stately landmark to guide visitors to the village. Financial resources were solicited through an annual alumni mailing. Contact Beth Roelfs at (402) 793-5570 or email [email protected].
25 Eustis Brochures, Eustis (464 pop.) – New brochures were created to promote businesses and events in Eustis and to attract tourists to the community. The brochures were shared at the Nebraska Tourism Exchange and placed in I-80 rest stops, motels, restaurants and chamber of commerce offices. Volunteers also mailed brochures to Eustis alumni. Funding for the brochures came from 2003 Wurst Tag profit. Contact Judith Brockmeier at (308) 486-5600 or email [email protected]
Birding Promotional Brochure, Loup Basin RC&D (35,000 pop. Multi-community) – The Loup Basin RC&D Tourism Committee collaboratively developed the idea of using numerous public and private wildlife areas to increase tourism in the area. A brochure was chosen as the best mechanism to get this message out. The new brochure lists the species of birds found in each location, along with the name of the viewing site, acres of land and water, and availability of trails and restrooms. The group also added information about its fundraising activities to the brochure. More than 30,000 brochures have since been distributed. Contact Lareda Hoback at (308) 346-4366 or email [email protected].
Arbor Trails Winery, Nebraska City (7,228 pop.) – Arbor Trails Winery is Nebraska’s first cooperatively- owned winery. It is owned by Southeast Nebraska Alternative Crops Association Nonstock Cooperative and dedicated to supporting an alternative crop base and returning profits to the producers and the rural communities in which they live. The winery enhances the tourism potential of Nebraska City and extends the benefits of employment, tourism exposure, and value added products to the area. Grants were awarded from the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, the Nebraska Cooperative Development Center, and U.S. Department of Agriculture. Contact Al Peterson at (402) 636-7554.
Landmarks and Memorials and Museums Shannon Trail Promotion, Cedar and Knox Counties (18,616 pop. Multi-community) – Twelve life-sized chain saw carved wood statues of Private George Shannon and one of Captain Meriwether Lewis were placed in communities throughout Cedar and Knox counties to celebrate the Bicentennial of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Animal stamps were developed for each community, and businesses displaying the bright yellow Shannon Signs were supplied with the stamps. Tourists who collect all 13 different stamps along the trail receive a 12” x 18” numbered print of Private Shannon and the Expedition’s horses. More than $44,000 was matched by the towns through a Peter Kiewit Foundation grant. Contact Laurie Larsen at (402) 373-2663 or email [email protected].
TARGET (Tourism Assessment Resource Growth Evaluation Team), Pawnee County (3,100 pop.) – State tourism personnel visited Pawnee County and helped develop a TARGET plan for the area. Volunteers have helped implement several suggestions offered in the plan. A logo has been selected to put on stationery and magazine ads have been designed for the local Civil War reenactments. Also, the computer website has been transferred from the city to school to allow more community updates to be placed on the site. Ad space on local restaurant placements was also sold to help raise money for future tourism projects. Contact Yvonne Dalluge at (402) 852-3131.
26 Museum Improvement Project, Stuart (625 pop.) – The museum board purchased a local historic church and relocated it to the museum grounds. The board then raised money to construct a foundation for the church on which it was placed and moved the church. Sales of luminaries and butter braids during the holidays, other private donations, and a grant helped pay for the project. Once moved to the Stuart White Horse Museum grounds, many volunteers have helped preserve the old church. Contact Rebecca Kunz at (402) 924-3116 or email [email protected].
Tourism Events 33 rd Annual Country Music Festival, Ainsworth (1,870 pop.) – The Country Music Festival is an annual four-day event, featuring competition in categories for fiddlers, pickers, female singers, male singers, 55 and older, pre-teens, vocal groups, juniors, songwriters, country bands, and more. In addition to the competition, there is local entertainment, jam sessions, a square dance, the Nebraska Auctioneers Bid Calling Competition, a church service, garage sales, and pancake feeds. More than 2,000 spectators and participants traveled from as many as 15 states to be a part of this festival. Contact Kathy Worrell at (402) 387-2844.
Sand Hills Discovery and Visitors Center, Ainsworth (1,870 pop.) – The Sand Hills Discovery and Visitors Center Foundation was chartered in 2001 to provide comprehensive information about the Sand Hills area. A one-day event was created to help increase awareness about the center and meet the foundation’s goals of raising awareness of the area’s history. Speakers were recruited in the areas of paleontology, ecology, geology, horticulture, forestry, and agriculture in the Sand Hills area. A college course was built around the event and offered at Wayne State College. Area vendors and exhibitors also brought together an assortment of products and displays specific to the geographic area, and a unique hands-on fossil digging tour was held at a fossil quarry north of Bassett. Contact Richard Albrect at (402) 387-2740 or email [email protected].
Route 385 Cruisers “Thunder on the Prairie” Classic Car Show, Alliance (8,959 pop.) – The Route 385 Cruisers consist of 76 men, women and children of all ages who reside in Box Butte County. The Cruisers display their classic cars, trucks, and motorcycles at an annual three-day event in June called “Thunder on the Prairie.” Car owners from four states bring their classic vehicles to Alliance and thousands of local residents and out-of-town visitors spend hours viewing the machines and visiting with their owners. The three-day event has grown into a weeklong gathering of organized automotive activities that include a barbecue, car show, parade of cars, dance, poker run, and awards ceremony. The fourth annual show included 180 entries. Contact Mike McGinnis at (308) 762-5010.
Chappell Flag Days, Chappell (983 pop.) – To revitalize the Wheat King Festival and recognize the city’s emerging patriotic identity, Flag Days was created. The celebration week started off with the annual community yard sale, the annual men’s Wheat King Golf tournament, and a free community banquet honoring area firefighters and EMTs. Also, local businesses sponsored a softball tournament, free barbeque, and pie social. The group encouraged all households to fly a flag during this week of fun activities. Contact Joel Jay at (308) 874-9934.
27 Wurst Tag, Eustis (464 pop.) - The German heritage celebration has evolved into an event attended by nearly 2,500 people. The event attracts tourists from all over the state to learn about German culture, food, and heritage. The money raised is put back into the community to fund projects that would not otherwise be possible, such as the purchase of welcome signs, books for the library, and an underground sprinkler system for the ball diamond. More than 350 volunteers from all walks of life and ages participate, plan, and implement the celebration. A follow-up appreciation cookout and brainstorming session is held following the event each year. Contact Mari Banzhaf at (308) 486-5611.
Shining Light Celebration, Gothenburg (3,600 pop.) – The community found a use for the Gothenburg KOA campground during the off season by setting up lighted Christmas displays along the road running through the grounds. The lighting and display materials are donated and all money donated by those driving through is given to various charities. The display is a wonderland of twinkling lights, Christmas scenes, hayrack rides, free hot chocolate served at the store, and Santa’s Workshop. It is estimated that between 10,000 and 15,000 people visit this wonderland each year, with donations totaling more than $4,500. Contact Judy Haver at (308) 537-7402 or email [email protected].
Pelican Beach Golf Club, Grant County (747 pop. Multi-community) – Seven volunteers built a practice green and improved the number one tee boxes in 2004. In addition, four golf club members built a cable fence around the entire area west of the golf building. The hard work has paid off as the club hosted a number of leagues and tournaments in the past year. Contact Carolynn Henderson at (308) 458-2764.
Hartington Show-N-Shine, Hartington (1,640 pop.) – The 1st Hartington Show-N-Shine event was created for car enthusiasts from the tri-state region to display their work and passion for automobiles, to provide quality family entertainment, and to promote local businesses. The show activities were divided into 20 car classes, three tractor classes, and two motorcycle classes. Merchants opened their doors during the event to promote their businesses, and multiple food vendors, games sponsored by area schools, and dyno demonstrations were featured activities during what is set to become an annual event. Contact Kerry Dendinger at (402) 254-2391.
Kimball All School Reunion, Kimball (2,559 pop.) – This event brought t Kimball High School alumni together, encouraged donations to the Kimball Public School’s Foundation, and promoted Kimball as a place to “come home to” and retire in. The weekend began with a Friday night street dance sponsored by the local downtown bar owners. On Saturday, activities included tours of local buildings, a golf tournament, group photo, barbeque, and short program. The reunion drew approximately 650 citizens back to Kimball for the weekend. Contact Karen Larsen at (308) 235-2298.
4 th of July Fun Day, Nelson (587 pop.) – Fun Day provided activities for men, women and children of all ages to enjoy as part of celebrating America’s independence. Activities started with a fun walk/run and breakfast in the park, and continued throughout the day with volleyball, basketball, golf, children’s games, swimming, horseshoe tournaments, an ice-cream social, water fights, karaoke, a dance, and culminated in a dazzling fireworks display. Contact DeAnna Tuttle at (402) 463-4565 or email [email protected].
The Omanisa Wacipi Pow Wow, North Platte (23,878 pop.) – The Omanisi Wacipi Pow Wow combined the skills, experience, resources, and passion of a number of community organizations and members of the Standing Rock and Oglala Sioux Tribes. Dancers from 23 states and one Canadian province represented 36 tribes. The event was publicized on local radio stations, in various publications, and at other events throughout Nebraska. The event also featured a speakers’ panel that provided specific
28 educational information about different facets of the American Indian culture. Contact Mike Swanton at (308) 535-6373 or email [email protected].
Revitalization of Carnival Days – Summer Celebration, Petersburg (362 pop.) – Carnival Days involved two days of fun-filled activities for young and old alike. A youth committee helped plan and implement youth activities that included a carnival and mud volleyball tournament. Adults participated in a number of contests, including a shoe kicking contest and tug-o-war. Community club member dues, cookbook sales, and donations helped finance the event. Contact Jim Leifeld at (402) 386-5460.
2nd Annual Sweet Corn and Hamburger Feed, Pilger (378 pop.) – Pilger’s 2nd Annual Sweet Corn and Hamburger Feed was a citizen-organized, freewill donation event with all money raised going toward construction costs of a new Pilger pool. The feed consisted of all you can eat sweet corn, hamburgers, coleslaw, dessert bars, and drinks. Additional fresh-picked ears of corn, hamburger patties, and Pilger t- shirts also were available for purchase. A local seed company donated the sweet corn seed, and a local farmer planted and harvested the corn. More than 700 people attended the event, and more than $4,500 (more than double the amount raised the previous year) was raised for the pool fund. Contact Kimberly Neiman at (402) 396-3563 or email [email protected].
Ravenna Tractor Puller, Inc., Ravenna (1,341 pop.) – More than 5,500 spectators gathered in Ravenna to watch the annual tractor pull. The five-hour pull attracted local and national pullers. The organization started out as a group of people who enjoyed the event, but took a huge step and became incorporated in 1996, the same year that the event began to grow. In 2003, the event was voted the “Grand National Pull” of the year. Contact Terry Hervert at (308) 390-9217 or email [email protected].
Fourth of July City, Seward (6,319 pop.) – Seward’s volunteers work hard to ensure that the community retains its title as Nebraska’s “Fourth of July City.” Most activities are free to the public, but the nearly 40,000 visitors provide a huge economic impact for the area. The event is promoted in Nebraska Traveler, the EXPLORER travel magazine, various mailings, and on area radio and TV stations. Highlights of the day include a hamburger feed, sky divers, musical entertainment, carnival, car show, craft show, parade, trolley transportation, and a memorable fireworks display. Contact Clark Kolterman at (402) 643-2988.
Sidney Gold Rush Day 2004, Sidney (6,282 pop.) – The Cheyenne County Chamber Historic Downtown Sidney Promotion Committee sponsored an all-day event called “Gold Rush Day.” This event was organized to promote the city’s historic position along the Sidney-Deadwood Trail that was used by fortune seekers hoping to lay claim to the riches of gold that were discovered in the Black Hills. The event included a free breakfast sponsored by the Jaycees, stage performances including a shootout, a replica pioneer village offering authentic pioneer foods and trades, a working chuckwagon, and many booths sponsored by local businesses and citizens. The day concluded with a play depicting the community’s history. Contact Joel Birner at (308) 254-2032.
Blarney Stone St. Patrick’s Celebration, Wisner (1,270 pop.) – A dedicated committee endeavored to bring new life to St. Patrick’s Day in Wisner. The committee ordered costumes, lined up bands to participate, and held a mock election between Blarney Stone and Sham Rock when each jumped in the running for the Presidential election. As a result, the city of Wisner was filled and main street was lined with visitors awaiting the parade that featured 80 floats. Contact Lee Myers at (402) 529-3338 or email [email protected].
29 Community Index
Community Page Community Page Ainsworth 3,18,22,27,27 Hebron 2,9 Alexandria 15 Kimball 5,15,20,23,28 Alliance 1,10,11,16,27 Laurel 19 Atkinson 1,11,16,24 Lexington 15 Aurora 3,15,19,20,23 Loup Basin Region 2,12,12,26 Bancroft 17 Nebraska City 5,21,26 Bassett 3,4,13,20,25 Neligh 21 Beatrice 4 Nelson 2,16,22,28 Burwell 8 North Platte 6,12,14,14,29 Cedar County 4 Pawnee County 6,10,14,17,26 Cedar & Knox County 26 Petersburg 6,17,18,24,29 Central City 23 Pilger 9,29 Chappell 4,11,27 Plainview 15 Coleridge 1 Ravenna 6,13,17,29 Cuming County 18 Scottsbluff 12 Curtis 1,20 Seward 6,10,17,19,29 Diller 25 Sidney 6,17,19,29 Edgar 1,4,11,20,24 South Sioux City 3,17,19,22,24 Eustis 1,13,23,26,28 Springview 19 Farnam 4,8,13,14,18 St. Edward 7,25 Gage County 11 St. Paul 13 Gering 11 Stromsburg 7,13,22,24 Goehner 2 Stuart 7,12,15,18,27 Gothenburg 5,8,9,14,28 Superior 7 Grand Island 5,8,9,19,25 Valley County 20 Grant County 5,21,28 Wayne 16 Hartington 2,16,18,21,28 Wisner 3,8,10,25,30 Hayes County 2,5,16,21,23 APPENDIX
The following is a compilation of 2002-2004 Project Networking Guides.
For more information on a project, contact Kathy McKillip at:
Nebraska Department of Economic Development Community and Rural Development Division 301 Centennial Mall South P.O. Box 94666 Lincoln, NE 68509-4666 (402) 471-6587 or (800) 426-6505 Fax: (402) 471-8405 [email protected]
*For project contacts and phone numbers, see a specific year’s Project Networking Guide, indicated in parentheses. Project Networking Guides can be found on the NCIP website at: http://crd.neded.org/ncip/index.htm *For project contacts and phone numbers, see a specific year’s Project Networking Guide, indicated in parentheses. Project Networking Guides can be found on the NCIP website at: http://crd.neded.org/ncip/index.htm Leadership Development
Volunteer and Leadership Development
2003 Volunteer Fair...... Alliance (2004) Math Olympics...... Bassett (2002) Volunteer Senior Ranger Corps...... Beatrice (2004) Woman’s Club...... Belvidere (2002) Senior Citizen Recycled Cards...... Blue Hill (2002) Teen’s Night Out...... Blue Hill (2002) Guiding Future Stars...... Box Butte (2002) Jimmy Collins Memorial Tournament...... Coleridge (2003) Juvenile Awareness Group...... Cuming County (2004) Christian Unity in the Community...... Eustis (2002) Leaders of Yesterday and Tomorrow...... Eustis (2004) ODEGEO Leadership Project...... Fillmore County (2004) Franklin County Veterans’ Memorial...... Franklin (2003) Mentoring/Tutoring Project...... Franklin County (2002) Laying the Foundation for Education...... Gothenburg (2003) Cedar County Relay for Life...... Hartington (2003) 4th of July Celebration...... Hebron (2004) Hemingford Community Diorama...... Hemingford (2003) Tracking Volunteer Hours...... Kimball (2003) Hillcrest Care Center and Assisted Living Gazebo...... Laurel (2003) Loup Basin Ag-Diversity Workshop...... Loup Basin Region (2004) Community Foundation...... Nebraska City (2002) Nebraska City Community Foundation...... Nebraska City (2003) Community Connections...... North Platte (2003) TeamMates Mentoring Program...... North Platte (2004) Otoe County Relay for Life...... Otoe County (2003) Island Project...... Ravenna (2002) WNCC Endowment Association...... Sidney (2002) Capacity Building in Southwest Nebraska...... Southwest Nebraska RC&D (2004) Empowerment: A Journey in Community Growth...... Springfield (2004) EMT Volunteer and Equipment Expansion...... Stromsburg (2002) Stromsburg Woman’s Civic Improvement Club...... Stromsburg (2004) Stuart Development Corp. Community Development...... Stuart (2003) Community Foundation...... Wallace (2002) Downtown Banner Project...... Wisner (2003)
Youth Involvement and Leadership Development Long Pine Hiking Trail...... Ainsworth (2003, 2004) Entrepreneurship Class Reopens Gateway Theater...... Albion/Petersburg (2003) Batting .400 With the Junior Bank Board...... Alliance (2003) Young Leaders...... Atkinson (2002)
*For project contacts and phone numbers, see a specific year’s Project Networking Guide, indicated in parentheses. Project Networking Guides can be found on the NCIP website at: http://crd.neded.org/ncip/index.htm Explorers & Alliance For Teens: Reflecting Self-Respect.Box Butte (2002) Youth Involvement and Leadership Development...... Chappell (2002, 2003, 2004) Youth As Resources (YAR)Program...... Cheyenne County (2003) Involvement of Youth in Our Community...... Coleridge (2003) Children’s Story Hour...... Elgin (2004) EPS Entrepreneurship Store & Business Fair...... Elgin (2004) Kids Who Care: Developing Volunteers Among Teens...Eustis (2004) Take a “Close Up” Look...... Eustis (2003) Eustis/Farnam Outstanding Youth...... Eustis/Farnam (2002) Leaders of Tomorrow 4-H Club’s Senior Partners...... Eustis/Farnam(2003) Farnam Youth Community Improvement Program ...... Farnam (2002, 2003) Youth Leadership...... Farnam (2004) Youth Firemen Cadets...... Franklin (2004) Developing Leadership Skills...... Goehner (2002) Youth Community Improvement Program (YCIP)...... Gothenburg (2003, 2004) Grant County 4-H Speech Contest...... Grant County (2004) Hyannis High School Rodeo Club Alcohol Awareness.....Grant County (2003) Hartington FFA Chapter Excels...... Hartington (2004) Hayes Center Youth Initiative...... Hayes County (2004) Youth Making Our Community A Better Place...... Howells (2004) Kimball Boy Scouts Program...... Kimball (2004) Kindness and Justice Challenge...... Kimball (2002) Loup Basin Farmstead Cleanup...... Loup Basin Region (2003) Red Cross Bloodmobile...... Maywood (2003) Soaring to New Heights...... Maywood (2004) TeamMates of Nebraska City Mentoring Program ...... Nebraska City (2004) Mayor’s Youth Council...... North Platte (2003) Pawnee City Penguins...... Pawnee City (2003) Fantastic Youth Involvement in Petersburg...... Petersburg (2004) 2002-2003 PDCI Class Beautification...... Potter (2004) Potter-Dix High School Community Involvement Class...Potter (2002) Good Samaritan Center – Alzheimer’s Unit...... Ravenna (2003) Pleasanton Branch/Union Pacific Railroad...... Ravenna (2003) SWAT Team...... Ravenna (2004) Youth Involvement...... Seward (2003,2004) Skateboard Park Project...... Sidney (2003) Teen Court in Dakota County...... South Sioux City (2004) 2002 Youth Involvement...... Stromsburg (2002) Youth Art Mural at Post Office...... Stromsburg (2004) Landscaping the White Horse Museum Grounds...... Stuart (2004) Superior FFA Chapter – Area Servicemen Recognition....Superior (2004) Superior FFA Chapter – Leadership...... Superior (2003) Trinity Lutheran Grade School Landscaping...... Waco (2004) Concession Stand and Baseball Complex Mural...... Wallace (2002)
*For project contacts and phone numbers, see a specific year’s Project Networking Guide, indicated in parentheses. Project Networking Guides can be found on the NCIP website at: http://crd.neded.org/ncip/index.htm Community Development Public Works, Facilities and Services
Cemeteries Cemetery Directory...... Culbertson (2003) Cemetery Directory...... Ravenna (2003)
Community Centers Community Building...... Belvidere (2002) Community Technology Center...... Brainard (2003) Putting the Pieces of the Puzzle Together of a Center...... Edgar (2004) New Lighting in Community Hall...... Maywood (2003) Auditorium Improvement...... Ravenna (2004)
Community Development I-80 Corridor Development...... Aurora (2004) Public Works...... Seward (2004)
Educational Facilities and Services Ainsworth City/Public School Building Project ...... Ainsworth (2003) School Renovation/Rebuilding Bond Issue...... Gothenburg (2002)
Emergency Rescue and Fire Hitting a Home Run With the BBGH Expansion...... Alliance (2003) County Rescue Truck...... Aurora (2002) Fire Truck Replacement...... Louisville (2003) Nebraska City Volunteer Fire Department...... Nebraska City (2003) New Emergency Unit...... Ravenna (2002) Fire Hall Addition/New Rural Fire Truck ...... Ravenna (2003)
Fire and Medical Facilities Alliance Volunteer Fire Dept. Thermal Imaging Camera. .Alliance (2004) Fire Department Improvements...... Farnam (2004) Franklin’s New Ambulance...... Franklin (2004) Pawnee County Clinic Addition/Hospital Remodeled...... Pawnee County (2004) Pawnee County Fire Department’s Equipment and Hall...Pawnee County (2004)
Government Facilities New City Hall...... Aurora (2003) Sewer and Street Improvement...... Cedar Rapids (2002) New Water Tower Painting and Dismantling of Old...... Coleridge (2003) West Broadway Street Project...... Coleridge (2003) *For project contacts and phone numbers, see a specific year’s Project Networking Guide, indicated in parentheses. Project Networking Guides can be found on the NCIP website at: http://crd.neded.org/ncip/index.htm Water Improvements...... Davenport (2003) Electrical Department Shop...... Kimball (2003) Paving Fulton Street...... Oakland (2003)
Libraries Public Library Building Project...... Blue Hill (2002) Emergency Library Support...... Clarks (2002) Library Expansion...... Farnam (2003) Morton James Public Library Expansion...... Nebraska City (2003) Renovated Library...... Springfield (2003) Library Expansion...... Stromsburg (2002) Library Cultural Events...... Stromsburg (2003) Expansion to Meet Need...... Wymore (2002)
Planning Economic Development Practices...... Chappell (2003) Design COOP...... Curtis (2003) City of North Platte’s Planning Programs...... North Platte (2004) Community Attitude Survey...... Shelby (2002) Comprehensive Community Survey...... Stromsburg (2003)
Street Improvements Sidewalks, Curbs, and Gutters...... Bassett (2004) Street Widening/Curb and Gutter Installation...... Waco (2004)
Environmental Projects
Rounding the Bases with the School Recycling Project....Alliance (2003) Tire Amnesty...... Beatrice (2004) Environmental Projects and Awareness...... Chappell (2002, 2003, 2004) The Community Cleanup...... Franklin (2004) Cedar River Stabilization Project Committee...... Loup Basin Region (2002) Environmental Festival...... Loup Basin Region (2002) Heartland Water Quality Project...... Loup Basin Region (2002) Loup Basin RC&D Education Efforts...... Loup Basin Region (2004) Loup Basin RC&D Waste Collections...... Loup Basin Region (2004) Loup Basin Water Association...... Loup Basin Region (2002) Stream Workshop...... Loup Basin Region (2003) Beautification of Maywood...... Maywood (2003) Keep North Platte and Lincoln Co. Beautiful...... North Platte (2003) Pilger Recycling and Aluminum Can Purchasing Center. .Pilger (2003) Seward Spring Cleanup Day...... Seward (2003) Keep Sidney Beautiful...... Sidney (2004) Citywide Clean Up...... Stuart (2003) Western Recycling Program...... Western (2004)
*For project contacts and phone numbers, see a specific year’s Project Networking Guide, indicated in parentheses. Project Networking Guides can be found on the NCIP website at: http://crd.neded.org/ncip/index.htm Community Services
Assisted Living and Senior Centers East Park Villa...... Aurora (2002) Housing Development...... Aurora (2004) Seniors on the Go...... Gothenburg (2003) The Newman House Assisted Living Facility...... Newman Grove (2004) Oak Ridge Apartments...... Ogallala (2004) Western Sky Villa...... Potter (2002) Midwest Covenant Home Eden Alternative...... Stromsburg (2003)
After School Programs and Child Care Centers Thayer Central After School Program...... Hebron (2004) Kimball Health Services Child Development Center...... Kimball (2004) Dawson County Family United Network After School.....Lexington (2004) Here Wee Grow Daycare...... Sidney (2004)
Events Senior Citizen’s Prom...... Blue Hill (2003) 4-H Spring Carnival...... Cheyenne County (2003) American Beauty...... Eustis (2003) Central Nebraska Ethnic Festival...... Grand Island (2003) Kick Off to the Holidays – Parade of Lights Festival...... Hartington (2003) Newcomers Welcome Supper...... Humboldt (2002) Kellie Mullen Medical Expense Fundraiser...... Maywood (2003) Pawnee County Avenue of Flags Veterans’ Memorial...... Pawnee County (2003) Plum Creek Children’s Literacy Festival...... Seward (2003) Haunted House/A Kid’s Holiday...... Sidney (2003)
Family Services Family Connections...... Aurora (2002) Res-Q-Shoppe...... Stromsburg (2002)
Health, Medical, and Safety Regional Dialysis Center...... Ainsworth (2003) Kidney Dialysis Unit...... Alliance (2002) Two Rivers Wellness Center Kincaid Body Shop...... Dunning (2003) Warning Siren/Warning System...... Potter (2002)
Housing Sunset CROWN Affordable Housing...... Beatrice (2003) Improving the Housing Supply...... Farnam (2003) New Century Villa...... Shelby (2002)
Miscellaneous
*For project contacts and phone numbers, see a specific year’s Project Networking Guide, indicated in parentheses. Project Networking Guides can be found on the NCIP website at: http://crd.neded.org/ncip/index.htm HALO (Husker Angels Loving Others)...... Ainsworth (2003) Alliance Migrant Services...... Alliance (2004) Community Beautification...... Belvidere (2002) Construction of Cemetery Fence...... Belvidere (2002) Books and Buddies Summer Reading Program...... Blue Hill (2002, 2003) Improving Our Living Environment...... Chappell (2003, 2004) In Our Own Backyard...... Clarks (2002) Camp Read-A-Lot...... Diller (2002) Comfort for the Needy...... Eustis (2004) Eustis Community Development...... Eustis (2003) Reading Road Trip USA...... Franklin (2002) Community Beautification...... Gothenburg (2004) Holy Trinity Fly-In Breakfast...... Hartington (2004) Andy Shaw Cancer Benefit...... Kimball (2004) Great Plains Highlanders...... Kimball (2003) Youth Center Flag Program...... Kimball (2003) Taylor Area Builders...... Loup Basin Region (2003) Friends of Arbor Lodge Foundation...... Nebraska City (2003) Borrow A Bike...... North Platte (2004) Operation Ground Zero for Children...... Pawnee County (2003) Bloodmobiles for Service...... Petersburg (2004) Street Signs...... Ravenna (2004) Community Services...... Seward (2004) Cool Kids Club...... Sidney (2003) Welcome Wagon...... Stuart (2004) Multicultural Action Committee...... West Point (2003)
Public Facilities New Library Building Project...... Blue Hill (2004) Commemorating 20 Years at the Senior Center...... Gothenburg (2004) St. Mary’s Hospital Emergency Room Renovation...... Nebraska City (2004)
Safety and Health Cedar County Fair Farm Safety Day...... Cedar County (2004) Neighborhood Watch Program...... Dannebrog (2004) The Meth Man Cometh...... Franklin (2004) Bicycle Safety Rodeo...... Hartington (2004) Women’s Health Conference...... Sidney (2004) National Night Out...... South Sioux City (2004) Docu-Drama for Youth Safety Education...... Stromsburg (2004)
Parks and Recreation
Beautification Oakland Veterans Park...... Oakland (2004) Reading Garden – Gazebo, Benches, and Lighting...... Potter (2004)
*For project contacts and phone numbers, see a specific year’s Project Networking Guide, indicated in parentheses. Project Networking Guides can be found on the NCIP website at: http://crd.neded.org/ncip/index.htm Liberty Garden...... Scottsbluff (2004) Main Street Beautification...... Stuart (2004)
Miscellaneous Expanding Parks and Recreation...... Chappell (2004) Parks, Recreation, and Forestry...... Seward (2004)
Park Improvements Planting, Playing and Picnicking...... Atkinson (2002) Rescuing and Restoring...... Atkinson (2004) Park Improvement Project...... Elgin (2004) Sod House Site Landscaping Project...... Eustis/Farnam (2002) Improvement and Renovation of Community Park...... Howells (2003) Minatare Chamber Park...... Minatare (2003) Friends of Nuckolls Square Project...... Nebraska City (2004) Programs and Improvements at Petersburg Comm. Park...Petersburg (2004) Park Promotion...... Pilger (2002) Recreational Opportunities for All...... Plattsmouth (2003) Neligh Park Renovation...... West Point (2004)
Playground Equipment Lions Club Playground Equipment Project...... Ainsworth (2004) Parks Committee...... Blue Hill (2002) New Playground Equipment for the School...... Coleridge (2003) Kinder Park...... Eustis (2004) Kids Kingdom Playground...... Grand Island (2004) Playground Project 2003...... Hartington (2003) Hayes Center Public School Playground...... Hayes County (2004) Playground Improvements for the Next Generation...... Humboldt (2002) County Playground Project...... Pawnee County (2002) Railroad Park Playground...... Potter (2004) North Elementary School Playground Equipment Project.Sidney (2002) Playground Improvement Project...... Sidney (2004) Mothers’ Club Park Equipment Fun and Project...... Superior (2002) Playground Project...... Wakefield (2002)
Sports and Recreation YMCA Expansion...... Alliance (2004) Auburn Recreational Complex...... Auburn (2003) Skate Park...... Aurora (2003) Skateboard Park and Hiking/Biking Trail...... Beatrice (2003) Boelus Ball Park Improvement...... Boelus (2004) Crofton Baseball Park Improvement...... Crofton (2003) Dancing Waters at the Ballpark – Sprinklers...... Eustis (2002) Pelican Beach Golf Club...... Grant County (2003, 2004)
*For project contacts and phone numbers, see a specific year’s Project Networking Guide, indicated in parentheses. Project Networking Guides can be found on the NCIP website at: http://crd.neded.org/ncip/index.htm Junior Golf Program...... Kimball (2002) Football Field/Track Sports Complex...... Laurel (2003) Optimist Recreation Complex...... Lexington (2002) Maywood Youth Basketball Project...... Maywood (2003) McCool School & Comm. Track & Fitness Program...... McCool Junction (2004) Track Complex...... Pawnee City (2002) Stuart Athletic Club (S.A.C.) Basketball Tournaments.....Stuart (2003) Lost Creek Disc Golf Course...... Superior (2003)
Trees and Forestry Blue Hill School Landscaping Project...... Blue Hill (2003) Expanding Parks, Recreation, and Forestry...... Chappell (2003) Hemingford Community Park and Tree Farm...... Hemingford (2003) High School Arboretum...... Nebraska City (2002) Operation Tree Screening and Wind Break...... Pilger (2004) Community Forestry...... Potter (2004) Lincoln Highway Tree Linc...... Potter (2002) Beautification Plan...... Wallace (2002)
Arts and Humanities
Events and Festivals Cheering on the Community With Yellow Ribbons...... Alliance (2003) A’ror’n Days...... Aurora (2002) Arts Council 25th Anniversary Celebration...... Bassett (2002) Yesterday’s Tomorrows...... Bassett (2004) 4th of July Celebration...... Blue Hill (2004) Assumption Orthodox Greek Festival...... Bridgeport-Bayard (2002) Sod House Day...... Eustis/Farnam (2004) Founders Day/Alumni Banquet...... Farnam (2002) Heartland Music and Arts Festival...... Hartington (2003) Sounds of Christmas...... Maywood (2003) Hispanic Festival...... Nebraska City (2002) Nelson Community Club Variety Show...... Nelson (2004) NEBRASKAland Days Golden Games...... North Platte (2004) Potter Mellerdrama...... Potter (2003) Capitol Christmas Tree Events...... Scottsbluff/Gering (2004) “Gloria” – West Nebraska Masterworks Chorale...... Sidney (2004) Patriot Day – September 11th Memorial...... Sidney (2004) 50th Annual Swedish Festival Celebration...... Stromsburg (2003) Main Event...... Wallace (2002) Jammin’ for the Troops...... Wymore (2004)
Miscellaneous Sand Hills Discovery and Visitors Center...... Ainsworth (2004) Franklin County Veterans Memorial Wall Project...... Franklin (2004)
*For project contacts and phone numbers, see a specific year’s Project Networking Guide, indicated in parentheses. Project Networking Guides can be found on the NCIP website at: http://crd.neded.org/ncip/index.htm Hartington Public Library Expands its Services...... Hartington (2004) Wildwood Period Home Barn Restoration...... Nebraska City (2004) Active American Legion and Auxiliary Activities...... Petersburg (2004) Plainview Arts Council...... Plainview (2004) Community Patriotism...... Stromsburg (2004)
Museum and Historic Activities Knight Museum: Illuminating Our Past...... Alliance (2002) Bridging the Past to the Present...... Eustis/Farnam (2002) Let’s Keep the Sun Shining...... Gothenburg (2003) Grant County Historical Museum Clean-up Project...... Grant County (2003) Honoring Our Flags...... Howells (2002) The Pierson Wildlife Museum Learning Center...... Neligh (2003) Exhibit Building at Pawnee City Museum...... Pawnee City (2002) Renovation of Pawnee City Museum...... Pawnee County (2003) Museum Makeover...... Pilger (2002) White Horse Museum Improvement Projects...... Stuart (2002) Wymore Welsh Heritage Project (WWHP)...... Wymore (2003)
Economic Development
Business Assistance and Development
Business Promotion Stepping Up to BAT (Building Alliance’s Tomorrow)...... Alliance (2003) Aurora Technology Business Incubator...... Aurora (2002) Friendly Frontier Feud...... Frontier County (2003) Plattsmouth Open for Business...... Plattsmouth (2003)
Business Retention and Expansion Airport Expansion...... Aurora (2003) The Leadership Center Expansion...... Aurora (2004) Revolving Loan Fund...... Bassett (2004) Business and Economic Development Success Story...... Beatrice (2003) Blue Hill Grocery Store...... Blue Hill (2003) REAP Program in Cedar County...... Cedar County (2003) Coleridge Gift Shoppe...... Coleridge (2003) My Antonia’s Antiques, Etc...... Dunning (2003) Elgin Area Economic Development Corporation...... Elgin (2003) New Business Development...... Farnam (2004) Let’s Keep the Sun Shining...... Gothenburg (2004) Speculative Building...... Hartington (2003) Keeping Our Town Alive...... Howells (2004) Plains Business Center and BizInk/Business Incubator.....Kimball (2004) Loup Basin RC&D E-Commerce Workshop...... Loup Basin Region (2003) Soybean Processing Plant...... Newman Grove (2004)
*For project contacts and phone numbers, see a specific year’s Project Networking Guide, indicated in parentheses. Project Networking Guides can be found on the NCIP website at: http://crd.neded.org/ncip/index.htm Wal-Mart Distribution Center...... North Platte (2003) Best Inn Burchard...... Pawnee County (2004) Husker Ag LLC: Location of the Ethanol Plant...... Plainview (2004) Historical Foundation...... Potter (2002) Annexation...... Ravenna (2003, 2004) Retention and Expansion Call Program...... South Sioux City (2002) Retention of a Locally-Established Ag Business...... Stromsburg (2004) One Stop Northeast...... West Point (2003)
Downtown Revitalization The Main Street Project...... Beatrice (2003) Main Street Beautification...... Blue Hill (2002) Main Street Improvement Program...... Elgin (2004) Community Improvement...... Farnam (2003) Building History – Main Street Improvement Program.....Gothenburg (2002) Main Street: Preserving the Past, Building for the Future..Gothenburg (2004) “Sign-Up” for Nebraska City...... Nebraska City (2004) Economic Development and Downtown Improvement.....Petersburg (2004) Downtown Community Revitalization...... Seward (2003)
Misscellaneous STJERNEN Newsletter...... Dannebrog (2004) Labor Study...... Fullerton (2004) Hartington City, Chamber & Economic Dev. Join...... Hartington (2004) Financing Our Future...... Hebron (2004) Loup Basin Economic Development Video Project...... Loup Basin Region (2004) Trails of Treasures 46-Mile Garage Sale...... Maywood (2004) Potter Historical Foundation...... Potter (2004) All American City Award Program...... Ravenna (2004) All American City Award Project...... South Sioux City (2004) Establishment of Econ. Dev. Director and Office...... St. Paul (2004) Building an E-Business Ready Workforce...... West Point (2004)
Tourism Promotion and Development
Promotion and Marketing Trek Into Our Backyard...... Alliance (2002) NE Ranch Expo...... Bassett (2004) Community Information...... Blue Hill (2002) Brady Web Page...... Brady (2003) Discover Cambridge – Prepare to Stay!...... Cambridge (2002) Frontier Adventure Brochure...... Dawson/Frontier/Gosper/Lincoln Co. (2002) Willkommen to Eustis...... Eustis (2003) Convention & Visitors Bureau – New Name & Logo...... Gering (2004) Loup Basin Birding Promotional Brochure...... Loup Basin Region (2004)
*For project contacts and phone numbers, see a specific year’s Project Networking Guide, indicated in parentheses. Project Networking Guides can be found on the NCIP website at: http://crd.neded.org/ncip/index.htm Tourism Committee...... Loup Basin Region (2002) Pawnee City Web Site...... Pawnee City (2003) Banners and Highway Signs...... Ravenna (2002) Welcome Signs...... Springview (2003) Welcome to Stamford...... Stamford (2003) Stuart’s Web Page (stuartne.com)...... Stuart (2004)
Landmarks and Memorials and Museums Back in Time...... Atkinson (2004) American Legion Post #9 Life Time Tour of Duty...... Hemingford (2004) 20th Century Veterans Memorial...... North Platte (2004) Harold Lloyd Birthplace Restoration...... Pawnee County (2004) The Pedal Clinic...... Pawnee County (2004)
Tourism Events 33rd Annual Country Music Festival...... Ainsworth (2004) Sand Hills Discovery Center...... Ainsworth (2003) Dobby’s Fall Festival...... Alliance (2004) Alma’s 7th Annual Country Music Festival ...... Alma (2004) Cedar County Fair...... Cedar County (2004) Economic Development Practices...... Chappell (2004) Wurst Tag – German Heritage Celebration...... Eustis (2002,2003,2004) Celebrate 100 Years of Aviation at Historic Airfield...... Fillmore County (2004) Shining Light Celebration...... Gothenburg (2003) Windmill Country Celebration...... Grant County (2004) Community Carnival and Fair Activities...... Harlan County (2003) Grand Duke Alexis Rendezvous...... Hayes County (2003,2004) Blast From the Past – Antique Tractors...... Howells (2002) Brown County Fair and Rodeo...... Johnstown (2002) Class C-4 District Wrestling Competition...... Kimball (2002) Farmers Day 2001...... Kimball (2003) Antique, Craft, and Flea Market Extravaganza...... Lexington (2004) Old Glory Days – “Let Freedom Ring”...... Maywood (2003) Four Seasons of Tourism...... Nebraska City (2003) Roaring ‘20s Dinner Theatre...... Pawnee County (2002) 1st Annual Sweet Corn and Hamburger Feed...... Pilger (2004) Sugar Valley Rally – Antique Car Rally...... Scottsbluff (2003) Economic Development...... Seward (2003) Tourism...... Seward (2004) Wind Turbine Day – 2003...... Springview (2004) Stuart’s 4th of July Celebration...... Stuart (2003) Waco’s Q-125 + 1 Celebration...... Waco (2004) St. Patrick’s Day Celebration...... Wisner (2002)
*For project contacts and phone numbers, see a specific year’s Project Networking Guide, indicated in parentheses. Project Networking Guides can be found on the NCIP website at: http://crd.neded.org/ncip/index.htm