LB840 helps
independent business
My name is Jeanne K. Weimer. I am an author, artist and sculpture. I am passionate about my home town of Seward and have for many years wanted to give back to the community in a philanthropic way.
As an artist, I need to have a very sound business plan to make my dreams become a reality.
In July 2010, I met Brett Baker when I was showing my sculpture collection at the Civic Center on the 4th of July. Brett introduced himself and immediately I begin asking about TIF and LB840 funding for projects in downtown Seward.
At that time, I had recently been to a Main Street program where they talked about different funding plans for towns like Seward. I thought that perhaps if Seward started utilizing these different types of funding to businesses, perhaps I could actually make my dream of having a store front in Seward a reality.
I started looking at buildings and my husband, Verle, and I met with Baker on several different occasions. These meetings, along with talking to Jonathan Jank, helped me to understand how beneficial LB840 in particular could be to my project.
Prior to meeting Baker, I would have never felt it was worth my time to walk through the doors of city hall to discuss a project of this magnitude. Keep in mind that I am a lifetime resident of Seward County and Baker is the first one to make me feel comfortable enough with these options for my business.
LB840 was the best option for our business. Without LB840 and Baker’s guidance, my business would not be a reality.
Thanks to LB840 and Baker, we purchased a building in April 2013 and it is up and running. Without LB840 this business would not have happened. Baker explained LB840 to us and how easy it would be to incorporate it into our full plan of business. He even helped guide me when speaking in front of LB840 committee to make me at ease that things would go well.
Red Path Gallery would not be the facility and business it is today without LB840 funding.
We thank Baker for helping us to incorporate these funding possibilities into our new business and move it forward to make this project in historic downtown Seward a reality.
Jeanne K. Weimer
Commends for tornado clean up
I want to commend the residents of Seward and York County for taking the necessary precautions prior to and during the May 11, 2014, tornado event.
To have only minor injuries and no loss of life from such an event is a great accomplishment. Viewing the severe damage to Beaver Crossing, Cordova, rural homes, outbuildings, irrigation pivots and electrical power systems can put that all in perspective.
The National Weather Service in Hastings and Valley monitored the storm system and provided the necessary warnings to the public.
Radio and television stations relayed this vital information. Storm spotters from area fire departments put their lives at risk to provide the critical visual observations.
They also provided a door to door search for injured occupants. Immediately following passage of the storm, local area farmers and residents began to clear downed trees from roadways to allow response vehicles into the affected areas. Electrical suppliers cut off power to downed power lines.
Transitioning from response to recovery began immediately. The communities of Cordova and Beaver Crossing put together an Incident Command System to organize the effort. Individuals were placed in job positions they had never experienced before and did an outstanding job.
Farmers, business owners, neighbors, volunteers, various organizations, began the seemingly endless task of the cleanup process. Seward County Public Power District and mutual aid partners did an amazing job of restoring power to the residents of Beaver Crossing and Cordova in just a few days.
The NPPD is ensuring that high voltage power line in York County is rebuilt as soon as possible.
There were numerous volunteer organizations that have brought in personnel and resources from around the state and country. Many of the organizations assisting are part of Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster and will also be a part of the long term recovery process.
Thanks to all the local agencies and organizations along with their nationwide partners that provided staffing, food and other items.
Tim Dewaard and Centennial Public Schools staff were instrumental in providing space for a temporary shelter and Emergency Volunteer Center as well as transportation buses for volunteers.
Support was received from Gov. Dave Heineman, Sen. Mike Johanns and the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency. State resources were made available and utilized.
The Nebraska Resource Accountability Team was brought in to track volunteer hours and equipment.The Federal Emergency Management Agency promotes the “Whole Community Approach” and “Resilience.” The rest of the country can take a lesson from all those involved in our disaster. Everyone showed how our communities work together to provide a resilient response.
Gary Petersen
Seward/York County Emergency Management
