Rep. Jeff Fortenberry visits Seward

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After a long overnight trip from the Southern United States border, Nebraska’s first district Rep. Jeff Fortenberry visited Seward and spoke at the Rotary meeting on Aug. 11.

Fortenberry talked about the district and what he loves about it.                      

“We have some of the best agricultural production in the country right here in our district,” Fortenberry said. “We also have some of the best people around.”

Concordia University is also something that Fortenberry feels benefits Seward.

“Concordia University is one of the few schools out there that hasn’t strayed from its identity,” Fortenberry said. “It truly is a community that celebrates everyone’s gifts and I am grateful for what it offers.”

He also recently traveled to Haiti. The trip was a funeral for the recent Haitian Presidential assassination. While there, Fortenberry pointed out that there was no authority and there were many risks being there. During the funeral, gun shots rang out and the Congressional delegation were flown back home.

The day before coming to Rotary, Fortenberry also spent time down at the Southern U.S. border. He spoke on how disappointed he is about the lack of strength at the border that the U.S. has. 

After the meeting, Fortenberry toured businesses throughout the town. The first was Bottle Rocket Brewery where he was able to see the process behind making Bottle Rocket’s drinks.

“This morning I was listening to a show on the radio, and they were talking about preserving buildings. Not only have you guys done that, you’ve re-created it,” Fortenberry said. “You guys are doing a great job.”

Fortenberry then made the trip over to visit with Chuck and Julie Wisehart and see the Rivoli Theatre.

“You two have done a fantastic job keeping up with this place, even when times were tough,” Fortenberry said. “I’m so happy that we were able to give funds to small businesses like yours to help out during COVID.”

After touring the town, Fortenberry explained why he visited Seward.

“Seward is truly one of our best communities in the district,” Fortenberry said. “It has retained its small town culture, while also developing more and more overtime.”

Before leaving, Fortenberry said he was happy to be in Seward.

“It was great to be back today and attend the Rotary meeting,” Fortenberry said. “Seward is a great place and it’s always a pleasure to be here.”