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Technology
Increases Central Nebraska Habitat for Humanity’s
Reach And Keeps Us All Connected
In the past twelve months, throughout its founding and
growth, Central Nebraska Habitat for Humanity Affiliate has begun to understand the
enormity of its mission and to seek more effective ways to support our Chapters in their
efforts to eliminate substandard housing. Good stewardship of resources is required and
new forms of communication through the use of technology provide us with the means to
reach more partners - whether chapters, donors, volunteers or homeowners - with
information and training about the myriad aspects of CNHFH.
Peter Kiewit Foundation, Inc. has granted funding that has provided the means for Sandy
Booth, CNHFH Board Secretary and Affiliate Resource Developer to implement two resources
– the http://cnhfh.org and http://cnhfh.webexone.com/login.asp?loc=
- that will help keep us all connected. Far from eliminating people, these technologies
invite us to engage more people more effectively to help us achieve our great vision.
Technology is also a great way to engage the next
generation in our mission. This new generation already understands what many of us are
only learning, something expressed well in a quote from the current movie Narnia.
In the movie, Father Claus presents weapons to the young travelers saying, “These are
tools not toys; bear [use] them wisely and well.” We need to engage the tools of
technology in our fight to eliminate substandard housing and we need to engage those who
can use them wisely and well.
Three
day Foundation Development Workshop
At the new Lake McConaughy Visitors Center
June 1-3,2005
Tues 10-4:30,Weds 8:30-4:30, Thurs 8:30-2:30 all Mountain Time
 
2/22/2005
A FUN NIGHT IN THEDFORD
WHERE WERE YOU?
The third annual video horse
racing fundraiser was Saturday night in the fair building. The Ag Society purchased video
of six horse races, made programs, donated finger food, provided good listening and dance
music plus all the other ‘organizational’ things that it takes to put on an
evening of enjoyment for the community.
It was a fun inexpensive evening where the young
couples who attended could and did bring their children. A couple from Grand Island that
came up specifically for the event commented, ‘Everyone is always saying there is
nothing to do in Thedford, then when there is something fun to do, not many come to
support it.’ How true, and how sad!
Local organizations that ask for donations and
memberships were not well represented. There was one from TCDC, one from The Community
Foundation (who are the same person), one from Service Club (because they are also on the
Ag Society), no government employees (city, county, state or federal). The other tax
supported organizations, as the fair board is were well represented, because historically
the fire department and EMS members understand what it means to be a volunteer by
protecting you as a community service.
Where were the 4-H leaders and parents? Where were
the rodeo club members and their parents? Where were the people who like to display their
produce and fine sewing at fair time? Where were you, the people and other organizations
improvements to the fair building and grounds will benefit?
The fair building now has a very nice kitchen,
bathrooms, heat and it will soon have insulated walls and air conditioning. It is handicap
accessible, the wiring has been updated. There are plans for making a stage and curtain
area for theatre entertainment. Work needs done on the arena. Join with this organization
that is working hard for community development by perfecting a centralized meeting place
for the whole region. They need our thanks and support for their ongoing efforts. Your
small donation at this fundraiser would have helped them reach their goals faster and it
was a lot of fun!
2/22/2005
DEFINING AN ORGANIZATION
The definition of APATHY is the trait of
lacking in enthusiasm for or interest in things generally, an absence of emotion or
enthusiasm. The definition of ENTHUSIASM is a lively interest, a feeling of
excitement. Cultivating ardent and imaginative zeal or interest.
Under which definition does your community
organization best fit? Is there excited talk in the coffee shops full of enthusiasm about
your next project? Is there lively interest in your accomplishments and a feeling of what
will happen next? Can an organization encourage apathy in a community? When the community
sees that nothing productive comes of dues or time attending meetings. Apathy instead of
enthusiasm may result.
The definition of ORGANIZATION is a group of
people who work together, the persons who make up a body for the purpose of administering
something, that is responsible to its members. It is the activity or result of
distributing people or things properly for the good of its membership. The definition of DISORGANIZATION
is the disturbance of a systematic arrangement causing disorder and confusion. A condition
in which an orderly system has been disrupted.
Under which definition does your organization best
fit? Do you encourage people to join to develop and grow the group into a diverse
membership? The definition of DIVERSE is many and different. Do you actively pursue
talented and experienced people throughout the community to strengthen your organization?
Do you utilize their abilities and after you have used them, thank them to encourage them
to keep helping the organization grow? Does your membership include business owners with a
vested interest in the community? VESTED INTEREST means
an interest in which there is a fixed right because of money risked or financial
involvement with.
The definition of DEVELOPMENT is the act of
improving by expanding, enlarging or refining making something more profitable, productive
or useful. It is a state in which things are improving, the result of developing. The
definition of UNDERDEVELOPED is flat, immature, non-industrial. Lacking in contrast
because it is not fully developed, not built upon or ready to be built upon.
Is your organization in the act of developing by continually expanding and
refining? Or will it remain immature discouraging development from within that of course
will result in continued underdevelopment.
The definition of ESSENTIAL is something that
is absolutely required and not to be used up or sacrificed. It is of the greatest
importance, crucial. It is absolutely necessary and indispensable. The definition of NONESSENTIAL
is something that is not required, superfluous, accidental, not being of prime or central
importance. Are your organization’s officers essential to the stability of the
community as a whole. If they got a better job, got fired, dropped dead or simply decided
to move back to where they came from would it be a nonessential happening or of little
importance to the community as a whole?
Effective organizations must be made up of a DIVERSE
populous, meaning many and different. That COOPERATES, which is joining forces and
working together on a common enterprise or project, for the betterment of that
organization’s visions and goals. BETTERMENT is change through progress. PROGRESS
is improvement or growth by the act of moving steadily forward toward a goal in a positive
way.
Is your organization moving forward for the
betterment of the area? Are you an essential organization for the community? Is your
organization working toward development and sustainability of the area in an enthusiastic
manner? Does your group include a diverse membership? Would it matter to the people of the
community if your organization didn’t exist? Apathetic, disorganized, undeveloped,
nonessential organizations are a waste of time for the person with a vested interest in
the development of the community. Define yourself, for the good of the community. Grow,
diversify, cooperate and utilize the resources in the community for the good of the whole
area and accomplish the goals of us all.
The definition of ACCOMPLISH is to carry out,
achieve, succeed, finish, perfect or win.
2/14/2005
Thedford woman pens award-winning
play
A play written by Sandy
Booth of Thedford took best original play in a state competition recently.
"A day with the Squirrels" was also the
second runner-up performance in the biennial play competition hosted by the Nebraska
Association of Community Theatres at the Minden Opera House on February 13, 2005.
Gil Haase of Schyler was named best actor for his
role as Paul and Marlene Dion of Columbus received best actress for her role as Vivian.
Barbara Averett directed the play, Richard Averett was the stage manager and Lynn Kellner
was the Tech Director, all from Columbus.
It’s not the first time Mrs. Booth has won
awards for her play writing. "Simple Choices" was the runner-up performance
several years ago at the competition. Judy Baxter-Moninger got best actress for her role
in that play that was about two jealous sisters and the effect their abusive mother had on
their lives.
"A day with the Squirrels" is a comedy
written for an aging couple dealing with memory loss, children issues and illness. Salina
Kansas Community Theatre and Hastings Seventh Street Players are currently negotiating for
the rights to stage the two-person play.
2/14/2005
Regional Habitat receives grant funding
Central Nebraska
Habitat for Humanity has been notified that it is the recipient of a $20,000 Open Door
grant. The proposal was prepared by Executive
Director, Dorothy Davis on behalf of rural housing development of the organization. The funds will be used to supplement the building
of a single home in the 32-county region that includes Custer, Logan and Thomas counties. The exact location of the build has not yet been
determined however the project must be completed by December 2005.
Central Nebraska
Habitat for Humanity is an experiment in housing development in rural communities. Davis is working with local groups to develop
chapters across the 32-county district. If
the experiment is successful, it will be duplicated in rural areas in other states. Persons interested in learning more about the
Central Nebraska Habitat for Humanity are encouraged to contact Davis at 308-636-8394 or ddavis@gpcom.net.
Habitat for Humanity International is a
non-profit, ecumenical Christian housing ministry. Habitat works in partnership with local
communities in building simple, decent housing that is sold through no-interest loans and with no down payment. Funds, building materials
and labor are donated by individuals, churches, and other organizations. Habitat’s
goal is to eliminate substandard housing.
1/29/2005
First Session of Grant Writing Course Complete
The first session of the grant writing course
presented by the Sandhills RC & D is complete. The twenty three students from west
central Nebraska met at the Neville Center in North Platte with instructor Dr. Don Udell
from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
After introductions and explanations from Dr. Udell
about where the class would be headed, he instructed us in the components of proposals and
traditional & alternative methods of requests. Day three included determining your
fundability through effective prospecting and research. Students were given homework and a
list of books to acquire before meeting again at the Neville Center for the second session
that will begin February 15.
T.J. Brown with Upper Loup NRD, Bethany with the Thomas
County Extension Service, Danielle Tessier sponsored by L&L Redi-Mix and Sandy Booth
are the students from Thedford. Bob Broweliet Coordinator and Lori Pollack from the
Sandhills RC&D are also attending.
1/28/2005
Positively Thedford
By Sandy Booth
I love Thedford! What a wonderful place to live! What a marvelous
place to mature. I became a part of this bustling community in 1971 as some of you good
readers may remember, but unfortunately only two people who also attended the three
meetings that did today were in the area at that time.
Sitting in my first meeting on this beautiful winter morning at
7:00, I as usual was educated, amused, delighted, frustrated and a bit angered. Everyone
should make the effort to go to your community meetings. Nowhere else can you experience
such an array of feelings in a single hour, unless you are watching South Park. Ya gotta
love it!
I love that Tony and I have had businesses here since 1973. What a
wonderful place to have a business. The station and café were not only our home for
thirteen years, but also your home. We became good friends over a cup of coffee and a good
meal, remember? We’d visit while Tony changed your oil or tire. Yes we closed it
because we were stretched too thin. He also had the shop, as he still does and the
government regulations on above ground tanks, etc. blah, blah, blah. It was not a negative
decision, it was positive for both of us. It was a very difficult decision because we
loved you, our customers and our service to you so much and were afraid we wouldn’t
see you as often. But still, it was a positive decision.
I love you Thedford most of all because of the young men you helped
Tony and I develop. What a wonderful place to raise two highly energetic and sometimes
naughty boys. We as a community knew they would be good productive men. Even with their
high paying jobs and beautiful new homes, they would come back here to live if it were
economically feasible. Thank you Thedford, not only for the boys but for my beautiful
daughters in law Randi and Theresa, through her extended families country roots.
I love that we can still help Mamie live a productive and
interesting life. The only reason we can is because we live in Thedford. God will put a
star in each of your crowns for all your help, patience and understanding. Thank you so
much from the bottom of my heart.
I love that I can have my coffee watching a young family fishing.
Bonding, teaching, learning and loving each other. What a treat! I would never consider
charging them or putting any restrictions on their enjoyment in any way. Tony has nearly
all the poison ivy killed around the ponds, not because we fish or use them that much, but
because we absolutely love knowing that we are making a more enjoyable community for these
young families.
I love the energy that is pulsing in the community. So many
positive and productive things are happening. We are keeping young people and encouraging
them to come back here more than in some other communities I’m involved with. Go
through the phone book. How many of those numbers belong to couples who are forty years or
younger. You’ll be surprised! Yes our school enrollment numbers are dwindling because
couples are waiting to start their families, some well into their thirties. People are
living longer and having smaller families than they did twenty years ago. That is a
positive thing. We as a community simply need to come together and form a plan as to how
we will adjust to these changes. We need to keep an open mind, think of alternative
methods of support. We need to unite in our efforts in a positive and productive way.
I love the concept of the Thedford Community Foundation. But I
especially love that the worker bees are the ‘kids’ of the community. The thirty
to forty year olds are the ones that are making it happen. It will in time turn into an
alternative method of support for economic sustainability to the area. I love the concept
of the Sandhills RC&D as the volunteer council continues to help develop and support
more projects, it will become a funnel through system for other alternative methods of
support. These are positive things.
I love that businesses have changed hands instead of closing their
doors, I love watching the remodeling and expansion of long existing businesses, I love
that our young electrician and his beautician wife have relocated their businesses
‘back home’ in Thedford. I love that I can get groceries, gas, lumber, mail, go
out for supper, rent a room for visitors, get my vehicle worked on, my hair done, go to
the Community Center for a cup of coffee, watch a school play or ball game and many other
services and activities so close to my home. That’s pretty unusual for a town our
size and a very positive thing.
It’s time to thank the business people for investing in the
future of our town. It’s time to thank that ‘kid’ for the countless
volunteer hours they are spending for the betterment of our community. It’s time to
take a good deep breath of fresh, clean sandhill air and face the changes that must come
to us all. We need to be mature enough to come back together as the loving progressive
community family that Tony and I grew up in. We have to recognize and appreciate
improvements and accomplishments, no matter how small and thank the group or person
putting their money and time out there to make them happen. We need to squelch the fear
that someone or some group may get more credit or God forbid that someone may make a
descent living from these improvements. We need to love and respect each other, our town,
and community. We need to be proud and help each other if only by verbal positive support,
not unfounded jealousy and fear. Then and only then can we face our challenges in a
positive way.
1/27/2004
Thomas County Fair Building Now Has Heat
The Thomas County Ag Society would like to announce that there is now heat in the
building at the fairgrounds. The building will be used for the annual Video Horse Racing
Derby night on February 19, 2005. Come join us for a night of racing, food, dance and fun.
Happy hour will begin at 6:00 pm with races to start at 7:00. There will be finger food
and a cash bar. Tickets can be purchased at Security First Bank in thedford or from fair
board members Brad Sawyer, Keith Hartman, Jade Egle, Pat Neben, Alice Hodges or Dalene
Hanna.
1/ 14/2004
RC & D Council offering Grant Writing Course
Twenty four
people have signed up to take the grant wiring course that is being offered by the
Sandhills RC & D. January 25th will be the start date of the first session at the
Neville Center in North Platte.The second session will be offered at Stubs Restaurant in
Thedford February 15th-17th. Dr Udell is looking forward to holding his first Grant
Writing Course in Nebraska. He says a class size of 20-25 is an excellent size for good
interaction among participants.
9/15/2004
Dorothy Davis appointed Executive Director
Habitat for Humanity of Central Nebraska
Dorothy
Davis has been appointed to the newly developed position of the Executive Director of
Habitat for Humanity of Central Nebraska. This is an umbrella affiliate encompassing
thirty-two counties in central Nebraska.
As the executive director of the service area, she will provide the field work, oversight,
and communication to enable additional small central Nebraska
communities to participate in Habitat for Humanity building projects in partnership with
local low-income families.
The
appointment will be a boon to Central Nebraska’s economic development utilizing Ms.
Davis’ extensive background as Coordinator for Distance Learning Nebraska Plains
Higher Education Center (NPHEC), North Platte, Nebraska and Administrator of NPHEC
delivering upper division, graduate and professional development programming to a 23
rural-county district that focused on community development and economic stability.
Educational needs researcher and physical site manager. Adjunct Professor in the
Department of Anthropology, Lincoln, Nebraska where she was responsible for instruction of
undergraduate classes in the areas of introductory and cultural anthropology. And
researching projects pertaining to rural development and gender studies.
Ms.
Davis also works as a community volunteer and contract worker in economic development in
west-central rural Nebraska. She serves on the newly formed Sandhills Resource
Conservation and Development Board of Directors, the Thedford Community Development
Corporation, August of Wind Public Golf Association and the Sandhills Scenic Journey
Byway. She is also co-owner of Sandhills
Development Company.
Habitat will build its 200,000th home and house its millionth person in a Habitat home by
the end of 2005. The announcements follow a milestone year for Habitat, which built its
50,000th homes in both the United
States
and Latin America/Caribbean regions. Other milestones include the “More Than
Houses” campaign, which has raised nearly $400 million of its $500 million goal to
build 100,000 more houses by the end of 2005. Habitat also strengthened partnerships with
corporations and organizations worldwide. Whirlpool, for example, expanded its
relationship, sponsoring the Women’s Tennis Association Tour in Europe
and the Reba McEntire concert tour to raise awareness about Habitat. Lowe’s is the
2004 underwriter of Habitat’s Women Build program, which encourages and empowers
women to get involved in building houses. Habitat launched partnerships with Clear Channel
Entertainment, through the “Raise the Roof!” campaign, and with Christian
artists and the Gospel Music Association through “Faith Works!,” which will
bring artists into the effort to help erase poverty housing from the planet. “The
view, looking backward and forward, is remarkable,” says Rey Ramsey, chair of
Habitat’s international board and CEO of One Economy Corp., Washington,
D.C.
“We have gone places and done things few thought possible, and we are positioned for
a dynamic future.”
Although
Habitat for Humanity is known throughout the world for housing families. This movement
actually houses something else too, knowledge. Habitat for Humanity
University
was created as a means of overcoming geographical and technological hurdles to provide
accessible pathways to that collective knowledge. This knowledge is available to anyone
interested in the worldwide movement to eliminate substandard housing.
Millard
Fuller, president and founders says, "Habitat for Humanity
University
provides learning opportunities, facilitates knowledge-sharing and actively assists in
leadership development to end poverty housing throughout the world. My long-term vision is
that Habitat for Humanity
University
identify and nurture the next generation of leaders in the movement to eliminate
substandard housing worldwide and be on the cutting edge of trends in eliminating poverty
housing.”
Ms.
Davis says, “I am so proud to be working with the Habitat for Humanities Leadership.
Everyone is so committed to the mission, being good stewards of the resources entrusted to
us by building a better world through better housing.” For more information go to www.habitat.org
8/22/2004
REMOTE RENDEZVOUS PLANNED
Saturday September 25th, 2004 will find the Thedford community full of the buzzes
and hums from remote controlled planes, cars and boats compete for prizes in our second
Rendezvous gathering. Entry is $2.50 with a pay back per event.
Register on the court house lawn 9-11 for the Free Fly Planes, 11-1 for the cars straight
races that will be on the court house drive. 1-2 for the off road cars at the newly
developed track and obstacle course by the tennis court in the park. Thank you Troy
Nutter!! 2-4 for boat races on the pond East of the Tony and Sandy Booth residence.
There will also be a concession stand on the court
house lawn, t-shirts for sale. A quilt show in the court house and city wide garage sale.
8/19/2004
BROKEN BOW HOPES TO 'PLANT THE TREES SO WE CAN SHARE THE
SHADE'
Sandhills Scenic Byway which is Highway 2 from Grand
Island to Alliance, was designated October 18th, 1999. Several local Business
Owners from Dunning, Thedford and Mullen have been on the management team since a plan was
created in 2001. April of 2002 trip tour CD’s were developed and nine locations along
the By Way were designated as tourist information centers with signage and racks.
April 2003 a grant was awarded the Sandhills Scenic Byway in the amount of $334,000 to
help renovate an abandoned silo in Cairo into a Scenic Byways Wayside Facilities and
Interpretation Center. As is stipulated in any grant allocation process, there is a time
line when the project must be completed or the grant will be pulled and it would be
virtually impossible to receive any other grant monies. After a full year of no progress
on the Cairo site, the management team contacted Renee Seifert who at the time was the
project manager. She informed the Byway management team via email in February that Cairo
was unable to procure the proposed site from the rail road and would have to back out of
the project.
At a meeting at Stub’s in Thedford on April 14th,
2004 Broken Bow, Halsey 4-H Camp, the Villages of Dunning and Thedford all presented
proposals to have the grant dollars moved to their communities for the Sandhills Scenic
Byway Interpretive Center. Seifert who attended the meeting proposed each site submit the
needed criteria to the management team just as Cairo did to the Federal Highway
Administration. She also said she would be willing to share the format with each
community. That way they would be equally judged.
The May 12th meeting was very eventful. By
laws for the SSB from three entities were submitted for review, after minimal revisions
the by laws that were written and submitted by Sandy Booth, who serves on several state
boards, were accepted and adopted. Papers were in place to apply for 501c3 status. It was
decided that an outside facilitator should be used to help the group pick the most
appropriate site for the center. Dorothy Davis was elected as Coordinator for the process.
Chard Hirsh, the management team secretary sent a letter to all members of the Sandhills
Journey Scenic Byway inviting them on August 18th to Uncle Bucks at Brewster to
help decide on the location. She also wrote communities wanting their site to be
considered should be prepared to give a presentation of no more than fifteen minutes. And,
you must be present if you want to be a part of this decision process.
Thedford, Dunning and the 4-H Camp had decided to
back out of the presentations to build an interpretive center of this scale at this time.
The Thedford team felt they could reach most of the criteria guides asked for, except
community support. To have a center open seven days a week, fourteen hours a day would
have taken more volunteer power than our small community could sustain. Also, who ever
gets the Center must have the support of the local government stating that it will be kept
open for at least twenty years, or all monies must be paid back. Dunning also lacked
community support at the time. The 4-H Camp had disputes with the forest on the location
of the site.
August 18th the Broken Bow High School
Activities bus followed by four cars, pulled up in front of Uncle Bucks filled with
business owners and representatives from the area. By ten that morning over 75 people
filled the basement including the Broken Bow group, two presenters from Cairo, the By way
management team and members, officials from Tom Osborn’s office, news media from
across the state and Dewey Teel and Connie Frances from UNL who were the facilitators.
Terri Licking, Sandhills Scenic Byway President
talked briefly about the history of the Byway then introduced Dorothy Davis who in turn
explained the facilitation process that would take place. After Dorothy introduced the
facilitators they asked the group to break in to five groups to brainstorm the many
attractions or sites we would recommend to visitors along the entire byway. Each group
leader wrote these on a giant map of the byway on the wall. Many good ideas were
presented.
Anne Thomas from Broken Bow presented a "Did You
Know" overview about small towns along the byway with photos she took as she visited
each town. Montica Smith, the chamber director, told us they have a site on fourteen acres
of donated land just east of town. They plan to move a donated barn onto the property to
house the center. Then Jim Varney, banker from Broken Bow, talked about the finances. He
made sure to point out that the existing community must still sustain and support the
interpretive center 20 years from now. He emphasized innovative ways to sustain their
501c3 organization for the economic development of Broken Bow. The presenters gave a
concise, detailed PowerPoint presentation with all the details in a binder of materials
they passed out to members. They said they’d like to "Plant the Trees" for
the byway as a whole, and then "Share the Shade".
Renee Seifert who lives in Hastings and works for the
Grand Island Tourism office, discussed the Cairo project and how the grant was applied for
three years ago by first working with the transportation advisory and then the FHWA. Ed
Bosch, a board member from the Village of Cairo, emphasized the necessity to have the
visitor center be along a portal to the byway to bring people onto the byway. They said
they have 48 people would volunteer from the senior center and many high school kids who
need to fulfill service hours to graduate. Burlington Northern just told them last
Thursday it would allow the village of Cairo to purchase the land at 40 cents per square
foot. The safety factor of the railroad and fencing for the interpretive center was
discussed. They mentioned that the village has ‘a good pile of money to work with
every year’.
After lunch Dewey opened up the group for a question
and answer session. Since the group was mainly made up of business owners, the questions
were very pertinent to the costs and sustainability of the project. When the question was
asked if you didn’t receive designation today, would you still follow through with
this worthwhile project. The Cairo group said no, Broken Bow said they believe in the
project and would find the monies elsewhere if they were guaranteed the community support
to build an interpretive center for the sandhills. It was pointed out that Grand Island,
just sixteen miles to the east of Cairo has three visitor centers sustained partially with
state dollars, and Cairo itself has one. It was suggested Broken Bow 75 miles on west
would be a good ‘pit stop’ for the tourist who had stopped at a GI center.
After it was decided the group could not come to a
consensus and the placement choice would have to come down to the management team vote,
members were given three minutes to talk to the voting members and give their
recommendations. Chard Hirsh-Broken Bow, Troy Nutter-Thedford, Mitch Glidden-Mullen,
Dottie Vrboka-Ravenna, Marlene VanDiest-Dunning, Jeannie Davis-Hyannis, Betty-Ravenna and
Terri Licking-Thedford adjourned to a separate room. While they were voting, Connie
Francis facilitated a discussion on how to promote the very marketable ‘peace and
tranquility’ of the Byway. Other discussion from this diverse group was how to unite
the Byway membership to collectively work together for the good of all.
After nearly an hour, Terri Licking announced to the
group that the selected town has it’s work cut out for them and it was a unanimous
decision that Broken Bow should proceed in the process of having the grant monies moved to
their location. Dorothy Davis was directed to submit full documentation as to why the site
has to be relocated and stress the importance that it will serve the same function in
interpreting the same byway message that was applied for in the original grant as directed
by Jim Pearson from the Nebraska Department of Roads. If her documentation fulfills his
requirements, then Broken Bow will have the opportunity to take their presentation along
with Jim Pearson to the Federal Highway Administration for their decision.
There are no guarantees that this project will be
accomplished, but with the Sandhills Journey Scenic Byway membership behind the process,
there is a very good chance. As Chard Hirsh, the byway secretary said, "This is the
first time I've seen this much enthusiasm for and togetherness in a project, it's not just
a project in Broken Bow. It's a byway project, and it's a project for the whole and
benefit of every community along Highway 2."
8/1/04Sandhills
Hawg Stop 2004 Click here
for the Hawg Stop web site Join us for Sandhills
Hawg Stop 2004 -- Friday, August 6th @ 8:00 a.m. thru Sunday, August 15th @ 7:00 a.m.
 The Sandhills Hawg Stop is a
Roadhouse bar and grill located near the unincorporated town of Brownlee, Nebraska along
U.S. Route 83. We are offering camping, shade, numerous vendors, live music, cold
beverages, piping hot meals, showers, good times and the atmosphere for memories that will
last a lifetime.
6/17/2004
RC&D COUNCIL MEMBER APPOINTED
Thedford Service Club has appointed Sandy Booth to serve
on the Council for the Sandhills Resource Conservation and Development program. A
unanimous vote was taken by the club to fill the vacancy left when Dave Hamilton resigned
his appointed post.
Congress established this unique program within the U.S.
Department of Agriculture that empowered rural people to help themselves over 40 years
ago. The focus on local direction and control has made Resource Conservation and
Development one of the most successful rural development programs of the Federal
Government. Numerous benefits are derived through the RC&D's grassroots
"Communities know what communities need" philosophy, and its close working
relationship with other agencies and organizations.
RC&D Councils play an important role in the
conservation, development, and utilization of natural resources. They work to improve the
general level of economic activity and to enhance the environment and standard of living
in all communities. Councils provide a focal point of local leadership and bring together
private citizens and local, state and federal agencies to improve the economic, social and
environmental well being of their area, and improve the quality of life.
July 2003 the Secretary of Agriculture authorized the
Sandhills RC&D. It is the final RC&D to be formed in Nebraska and covers nearly
4.5 million acres in Grant, Hooker, Thomas, Arthur, McPherson, Logan, Keith, and Lincoln
counties. The total population is 45,517 with 28 percent living on farms and ranches and
in unincorporated communities. Small communities dot the rural agricultural area. Fifteen
incorporated cities and villages comprise 11 percent of the population. The median
population of these 15 communities is 354. North Platte and Ogallala are the two largest
cities in the region, with about 61 percent of the total population.
Sandy is honored to be chosen to sit on the Sandhills RC
& D Council. She grew up in northern Lincoln county, attended school in Stapleton and
has lived in Thedford since 1971. With her husband, she owns and operates several
businesses in the Thedford area. Love of the sandhills and its natural resources with a
long standing vested interest in the community will be an asset for the Council. Mrs.
Booth also sits on the Nebraska Association of Community Theatres board, the Sandhills
Journey Scenic By Way board on the Marketing Committee and is a member of the Thedford
Service Club and Thedford Community Development Corporation.
The
Thedford Community Development GroupWelcomes
Marketing Intern Michele Keller
Thedford, Nebraska: "In the Middle of
Everywhere!" - Intern Michele Keller and the Thedford Community Development Group
will be coordinating their efforts this summer to show the world just how much Thomas
County has to offer.
Michele is a native of the Sandhills, born and raised,
only one hour west of Thedford, in the small community of Hyannis, Nebraska. She is the
daughter of Frank and Cindy Keller and a sister to Allison Keller. Michele graduated from
Hyannis High School in 1999 and continued her studies with the University of Nebraska at
Kearney, where she majored in Business Administration and Marketing. Michele received her
Bachelor’s degree from UNK, with honors, in May of 2003.
In addition to her high academic achievements, Michele
also brings the community a lot of marketing experience. While attending UNK, Michele
served as the Marketing Director at Century 21 Midlands in Kearney. She provided marketing
services for 11 real estate agents and two property managers, and all at the same time.
This summer, Michele will be helping the Thedford
Community Development Group design marketing materials for the area. She will begin by
updating and improving the community marketing plan. She will also design an informational
brochure, work with Sandy Booth to improve the community website, and create a
PowerPoint/DVD presentation to help promote the area. Michele is very excited about being
a part of the Thedford Community.
In August, Michele will become the Business Teacher and
Technology Coordinator at Thedford High School. She will also be assisting Sarah Wilson
with the Trojan Volleyball Team and will become the Head Track Coach in the spring.
Michele will be getting married June 4, 2005 to Richard
Evans of Bingham, Nebraska. Richard is currently the P.E./Health Teacher in Litchfield,
Nebraska.
5/27/04
Destination THEDFORD
Tourism is Nebraska’s third largest earner of revenue
from outside the state after agriculture and manufacturing. Travelers spent over $2.8
billion in Nebraska during 2002 on trips away from home with overnight stays in paid
accommodations and on day trips to places 100 miles or more away. Annual spending in
Nebraska on these trips has increased by almost $1.2 billion since 1990. Almost 46,000
jobs are attributable to travel spending in Nebraska. The average nonresident traveling
party visiting Nebraska by highway during the summer consists of 2.4 persons who stay 2.2
nights in the state and spend $355. Over a third of the nonresident traveling parties go
to attractions or events, and for each attraction or event visited, they average a
half-day longer in Nebraska, spending an additional $81.
Our area needs to grab some tourism revenue by making this a
place to stop for awhile on their way to Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo (with 1,420,556 visitors
a year), or Fort Robinson State Park (with 357,932), Scotts Bluff National Monument (with
111,293), Lake McConaughy State Recreation Area (with 859,624).
A group of concerned citizens representing several area
organizations and businesses met at Stub’s on May 27th to organize a regional plan to
encourage tourists to visit, stop and shop our area. Dorothy Davis, President of the
Sandhills Development Company and Bob Browleit, Director of Sandhills Resourse
Conservation and Development facilitated the meeting. Invited guest, John Royster owner of
Big Muddy Workshop out of Omaha is an expert in planning and designing interpretive
exhibits and wayfinding systems.
It was decided the vision of the area is to create a
perception of destination for this region. The mission is to provide experiences and
education by marketing the merits of the region. The goals are to identify and promote
marketable experiences and develop marketing tools to get the word out with press
releases, web sites, travel magazines and radio spots. And a system of visitor contact
stations at key places with a consistent message and appearance throughout the area.
We need to change our mind set that a traveler may stay and
disrupt our culture. Vacationers are not generally looking for a new place to locate. They
are looking for a wonderful view, a historical area, a fun time or a peaceful getaway.
This area offers all and more of these attractions. When a tourist visits and stays at one
of our lodging facilities, eats at one of our restaurants, fills with gas, restocks the
cooler at our grocery store the revenue helps the whole community.
If we are going to keep our existing businesses prospering
and encourage entrepreneur incorporation, we need to think ‘out of the box’.
Have you been thinking about a business that would attract and prosper from tourism? Do
you have ideas to make this area a place of destination instead of simply a pass through
to the very profitable visitor centers elsewhere in the state? Programs and organizations
are in place to help you get started or integrate your ideas into the overall plan.
Contact Bob Broweleit, Dorothy Davis, or Steve Brown. You can also leave a message for any
of these officials to contact you on the Thedford.org web site. All ideas will be kept in
the strictest confidence, if that is your choice. Our community needs to grab that tourist
dollar that is driving on down the road. Your idea may be the one that puts Thedford on
the travel destination tour map.
5/20/04
OVER
50, TAKE PRECAUTIONS FOR WEST NILE
West Nile is a virus that causes encephalitis in humans,
horses, and other animals. It is transmitted by mosquitoes that acquire it from infected
birds. The virus was first seen in the U.S. in 1999. In 2002 it was detected in Nebraska
and eight people died of the infection that year. In 2003, 29 people died which
represented 13 percent of the 220 deaths nationwide. According to the Nebraska Center for
Disease Control, Thomas County had two confirmed cases in 2003 with no deaths. No birds
have been tested for West Nile yet this year. Last year, the first bird to test positive
was found in May, the year before was June.
If you are over 50, you’re at greater risk to become
seriously ill from West Nile virus. Dick Nelson, Director of Regulation and Licensure for
the Nebraska State Health and Human Services System reports that all 29 Nebraskans who
died last year were over 50 with an average age of 78. Of the 2,366 people with severe
complications of encephalitis and or meningitis the average age was 53.
Governor Mike Johanns has announced a West Nile Virus
educational campaign to be launched this summer, targeting those over the age of 50. The
state will send informational packets to senior centers, rest homes and assisted living
facilities and public service announcements will be presented. Johanns said a recent study
from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention showed that only 30 percent of people
over the age of 55 report wearing insect repellent. That is the lowest percentage of any
age group.
Officials stress all age groups are at risk and though they
hope the worst is behind Nebraska, they are urging people to take early precautions. The
U.S. Department of Agriculture informs us on their web site in a report written by Susan
T. Ratcliffe, that homeowners can most effectively reduce the number of mosquitoes around
their homes and neighborhoods by eliminating the standing water in which mosquitoes grow
and breed. Larvicides are highly effective in controlling immature mosquitoes and should
be considered when standing water cannot be eliminated. Ms. Ratcliffe goes on to state
that even though your property may lack mosquito-breeding sites, mosquitoes can travel 2
to 3 miles from their breeding site in search of a blood meal. So, make sure window and
door screens are bug tight. Use the proper outside lighting, incandescent lights attract
them, whereas fluorescent lights neither attract or repel. Stay indoors at dawn, dusk, and
the early evening, if you must go outdoors, wear a long-sleeved shirt and long pants.
Apply repellents to exposed skin and thin clothing. She also reminds us that repellents
used on children should contain no more than 10 percent DEET.
Cautions and precautions pertaining to West Nile Virus are
all warranted. But, we must remember that the top five causes of death in Nebraska last
year were heart disease, cancer, stroke, chronic lung disease and accidental death, which
includes automobile accidents and falls. According to
the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than four times the amount of people
died from pneumonia and influenza in Lincoln alone than died from West Nile in all of
Nebraska. Eighty percent of the people who get West Nile never even notice any symptoms.
Of the 20 percent of those who do, most only feel mild symptoms of fever, headache, body
ache, nausea, swollen lymph glands and skin rash. Only one out of 150 of the people who
feel symptoms will develop a severe illness.
We should all take a moment and clean up any refuge that
could contain water and it would help to beautify the area. Have our rain gutters cleaned,
which will also prolong the life of our roof. Keep fresh water in our birdbaths, aerate
our lily ponds and stock them with fish. Because of West Nile virus we need to use
citronella candles and bug spray when we sit by the river or go fishing after work, which
many of us do anyway because we don’t like bug bites. We should all eat healthier,
get more than moderate exercise, stop smoking, be careful on ladders and wear our
seatbelts. And remember the best way to save our over 50 brains is to use them, read the
reports, pack your bug spray and go out and enjoy the summer!
5/14/04
THE SANDHILLS THROUGH A VISITORS EYE
Sometimes
with our busy lives we take for granted the blessings that are right under our noses like
the wonderfully unique area we live in. Thedford
is the junction of Highway 2 and ‘old’ Highway 83 now known as The Veterans of
Foreign Wars Memorial Hwy, which places us nearly in the middle running north and south,
east and west in the continuous United
States. We are in
the center of one of the most unspoiled and beautiful landscapes to be found anywhere in America. Our sandhills
with 20,000 square miles of dunes covered with grass, are the largest formations of their
kind in the Western
Hemisphere. Re-discover
the area through a travelers eye.
Highway 2
from Grand Island to Alliance has been
deemed one of the ten most scenic roads in the country and bestowed with the name
‘Sandhills Journey Scenic Byway’ placing Thedford in the middle. The Grand Island website
encourages its visitors to travel on out our way by stating, “Things are bigger in
the Sandhills—the sprawling ranches, the endless sky, the miles upon miles of rolling
grass dunes. It’s a place where you can lose yourself and forget that anything else
exists. A place where the wind is your only company. A place where cows, fence posts and
windmills are the skyline. A place where the setting sun puts on such a colorful show,
you’ll be telling your grandchildren about it for years to come. The Sandhills
Journey is just that—a journey! It’s a journey into one of the most unspoiled
and beautiful landscapes found anywhere in America. The rugged
beauty of God’s land and the hospitality of the local residents are common threads no
matter where you are along Highway 2.”
The Forest draws
thousands of visitors a year, go on a road trip and see why. The Gaston Road entrance is
just 3 miles east of Thedford, The Bessey Ranger District at Nebraska National Forest, is the
largest hand-planted forest in the country. Its combined grassland and forest make it
unique to the National Forest System. The Charles E. Bessey Nursery is the nation's oldest
federal tree nursery and the State 4-H Camp is an educational and enchanting get-away with
many youth camps and events throughout the year.
It’s
spring, go for a drive simply to enjoy the new green grass and wild flowers. The wild
plums have finished blooming and starting to form fruit, the choke cherries are in full
bloom, ground cherries will burst open their fragrant white blossoms within the week.
Smell the lilacs in that old wind break and head south sixteen miles to bask in the beauty
of the Dismal. Travel north, and absorb the solitude of the sandhills where natural ponds
are formed by surface water from the largest aquifer system in the world. Drive east or
west and marvel at the pure spring waters that feed the beautiful Middle Loup. Take a deep
breath of the clean air, let the big sky embrace you and thank the powers that be that
although we too are visitors on this land, here for such a short time. We are very privileged to be able to call the
sandhills our home.
5/7/04 Thedford Fire District
purchases new high band radios
Thomas county has been awarded grants from Home
Land Security and the Justice Department giving the Thedford Fire District the ability to
purchase its own high band radio system with a private channel and repeater. Included in
the project is two radios for Halsey, two for Brownlee, one for Seneca, seven for Thedford
and one for the Thomas County Sheriff, plus the base station at the fire hall.
The district having its own
system allows the fire trucks, ambulance and sheriff to talk among themselves without
having to use Region 26 as a relay station for all messages. Nearly all fire districts
surrounding the area have also received grants and now have their own channels. When
attending fires or other emergencies out of the area, Thedford will be able to receive and
send messages to the district in charge, or where the emergency is at that time. Cutting
down on radio chatter will enable our firemen, ambulance and sheriff department to be more
focused and efficient.
This tremendous radio system will save
countless tax dollars in unburned grassland, unharmed personnel, and volunteer unearned
time. More grant money will be let in the near future. Thedford will then be able to
upgrade the pagers for the EMTs and Sheriff. The firemen will have pagers for the first
time in the districts history. Not having to rely solely on the fire whistle will be
another needed improvement for Thomas County and Thedford Fire District.
5/4/04
PLAN YOUR SUMMER VACATION IN THEDFORD
The Ag Society provided Thedford with a fun filled night of entertainment by once again
presenting the Thomas County Derby. All donations are greatly appreciated for the fair
building remodeling. The evening included 6 Video horse races and dance to White Line
Fever. Make sure to include it in your plans for next year.
On June 19 the Thedford Service Club will be furnishing ice cream at Jerry Linn's
retirement party.
An old time July 4th community celebration is being planned by the Service Club with
picnic supper, baseball game and fireworks.
The Ag Society has set the dates for the Thomas County Fair as July 30, 31 and Aug 1.
The parade theme is Fun and Games in Thomas County and will be at 2 pm on July 31st. Free
barbque at 6 pm. The open class and 4-H show will be at the Blaine County Fair this year
which is August 5 to 7.
Thedford Service Club wants to announce that the Carr Family Cowboy Band from Whitman
NE will be the entertainment. If you have events you want on the Fair Schedule contact
Alice Hodges. |
