Beatrice, NE 2006 Community Profile

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CommunityLink.com

1 800-455-5600

production production manager director of media & content copywriting copy editor proofreader director of photography photography cover photos

creative director director of publication design publication design marketing design

MATT PRICE DIANA VAUGHN STEVEN D. PUCKETT LAURA WILCOXEN CHRISTINA REESE LISA LEHR APPLE STUDIOS PABEN PHOTOGRAPHY LORI WARNER GAGE COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY COLLECTION CRAIG WILLIAMS CLINT EILERTS AMANDA WHITE ERIN GRAY

Our Land .............................................. 4 Our People ............................................ 6 Our Spirit ............................................. 8 Our Industry ...................................... 10 Our Vitality ....................................... 12

business development

Our Leaders........................................ 14

director of business development GEORGE PRUDHOMME director of sales operations DEBBIE MOSS regional director of publications BONNIE EBERS sales representative CHARLIE ROGERS advertising ad research

ad traffic ad design

Our Compassion ................................. 16 Our Resources .................................... 20

MARY KOPSHEVER AMY SCHWARTZKOPF KATHY SCOTT CAROL SMITH LIBBY LOVEKAMP BECKY TRAIL KACEY WOLTERS

Our Future ......................................... 22 Our Neighbors ................................... 24 Our Lives ............................................ 26

information technology publishing systems coordinator

CHRISTOPHER MILLER

Our Advertisers ................................. 30

executive leadership chairman and founder chief financial officer

CRAIG WILLIAMS RHONDA HARSY

ABOUT This book is published by CommunityLink and distributed through the Beatrice Area Chamber of Commerce. For advertising information or questions or comments about this book contact CommunityLink at 1 800-455-5600 or by e-mail at info@CommunityLink.com

FOR INFORMATION Beatrice Area Chamber of Commerce, 226 South 6th Street, Beatrice, NE 68310, (402) 223-2338, Fax (402) 223-2339, www.beatricechamber.com

Š 2006 Craig Williams Creative, Inc., 4742 Holts Prairie Road, Post Office Box 306, Pinckneyville, IL 62274-0306, (618) 357-8653. All rights reserved. No

portion of this book may be reproduced without the expressed written consent of the publisher.

We would like to thank the following businesses/organizations for making the commitment of your time and talent to help with this special edition. Apple Studios Beatrice 150 Committee Beatrice Area Chamber of Commerce Beatrice Community Hospital Beatrice Public Library

City of Beatrice Homestead National Monument Gage County Economic Development Gage County Historical Society Gage County Visitors Bureau

Main Street Beatrice One Stop Community Resource Center Paben Photography Southeast Community College

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“A m a n t ra ve l s t h e wo rl d o ve r i n s e a r ch o f wh a t h e n e e d s a n d re t u r n s h o m e t o f i n d i t .”

— George Moore

T

he town of Beatrice, Nebraska, was named in honor of Julia Beatrice Kinney, but it may as well have been named for each of us, because there is plenty here for everyone. This town in southeastern Nebraska got off to a historic — and family-friendly — start by being named after the offspring of the first president of the Nebraska Townsite Association. On May 20, 1857, Beatrice was named after Judge J.F. Kinney’s eldest daughter, and the rich history of the town on the Big Blue River began. Located at the intersection of U.S. Highways 77 and 136, Beatrice, the county seat of Gage County, is situated 40 minutes south of Lincoln and is a regional hub for industry and commerce. The cities of Chicago, Denver, Dallas, Kansas City and Minneapolis are each less than 600 miles away. Byway 136, also known as “Heritage Highway,” bisects Gage County from the east. A hearty stock of Nebraskans has for many generations worked hard to reap the 4

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benefits of the rich soil, and the thriving economy of agriculture has been serviced and equipped through the years by several ag-based businesses located throughout Gage County.

HOMESTEAD NATIONAL MONUMENT “Free Land!” That was the cry heard as the result of The Homestead Act of 1862, which, by granting 160 acres of free land to claimants, allowed nearly every man and woman their own piece of the westward expansion of the United States. Today’s families can enjoy visits to the Homestead National Monument of America, which is the location of one of America’s first homesteads and is managed by the National Park Service. Homestead National Monument of America is located on State Highway 4, four miles northwest of Beatrice. With many dignitaries present, ground was broken in April 2006 on the new Homestead Heritage Center at the national monument site. The Heritage Center will portray the national significance of the

Beatrice Area Chamber of Commerce G Celebrating 150 Years

Homestead Act of 1862 and its far-reaching effects. The 10,600-square-foot facility is slated to open May 20, 2007, and will house a museum and curatorial area. The 100 acres of tallgrass prairie at Homestead National Monument of America can be enjoyed any time of the year, thanks to restoration work that has nearly duplicated the plants and animals that once covered the U.S. Central Plains. This restoration of the tallgrass prairie began in 1939. It is the oldest in the National Park Service and — with 60-plus years of being managed by the National Park Service — is the second-oldest such restoration in the nation. The tallgrass prairie ecosystem is rare today, and it is a huge undertaking to recreate a prairie. Nevertheless, this endeavor to support the ancient wildflowers and grasses provides visitors with a peek into a landscape of times gone by. Some consider the tallgrass prairie to be at its most beautiful in the fall, when a good number of the plants have started to change color and are producing seeds to ensure future growth that will be enjoyed by generations to come.

HOUSING MARKET GROWING There’s a lot of activity going on in the housing market around Beatrice. It’s exciting to see the opportunity and the number of choices, as approval of re-platting goes to the Beatrice City Council as they clear the way for another development. City administration says the projects offer a good mix of housing for people at several income levels. The new projects, according to some, are a sign that the market is emerging and is poised for growth.

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WWW EDWARDJONES COM Visitors view Beatrice’s history at the Gage County Historical Society.

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“ M y h o m e i s n o t a p l a c e , i t i s p e o p l e .” — Lois McMaster Bujold, Barrayar, 1991

time to form an organization known as the Nebraska Townsite Association. The stated goal of the association was to locate and form a town site in Nebraska. Following the trail west from Nebraska City to Nemaha County, the locating committee soon split into two parties, with one heading north to the area that would become Lincoln and the other going south to the Big Blue River Valley. Because of the abundance of water and timber, the southern location was chosen as the town site. In May 1857, at a meeting in Omaha, the association chose the name Beatrice (pronounced Be-AT-rice) over the name Wheatland, the estate of then-President Buchanan. Julia Beatrice was the name of Nebraska Association President Judge Kinney’s 17-year-old daughter, and she used her middle name, with its pronunciation closest to the Latin! The association met again on July 4, 1857, for speeches and a celebration in Beatrice. Soon after, a log cabin was constructed close to where the Gage County Museum is today. Only the “Pap” Towle family and six men stayed that first winter in the cabin, with the bachelors living on one side and the family on the other. But their isolation didn’t last long; the arrival of spring brought with it more settlers. By 1860 there were over 80 people in Beatrice.

IMPACT OF THE RAILROAD

Edward W. Washburn

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PHOTO COURTESY OF GAGE COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY COLLECTION

odern-day Beatrice’s connection to the past is still so strong that the Gage County Museum is actually located in the 1906 Burlington Railroad Depot at 101 N. Second Street. This passenger station is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

BEATRICE’S FOUNDING FATHERS In the spring of 1857, the steamboat known as “Hannibal” left St. Louis, Missouri, with approximately 300 passengers. About two-thirds of those passengers were Mormons bound for the settlement of Florence, Nebraska, and, ultimately, Utah. The remaining 100 men and women were either headed to Nebraska City or to Omaha. Around St. Joseph, Missouri, the “Hannibal” became lodged on a sandbar, and a group of about 35 young men used the waiting 6

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Beatrice Area Chamber of Commerce G Celebrating 150 Years

When the Burlington Missouri Railroad built a line from Lincoln to Beatrice in 1871, Gage County’s heyday began. Other railroads followed suit, with the Union Pacific arriving in 1879 and the Rock Island line in the 1880s. The expansion of the railroad led to the arrival of immigrants looking to start a new life on the fertile plains of Nebraska. Gage County’s early settlers included the Kilpatrick brothers, whose construction projects included more than 3,339 miles of rail line west of the Mississippi River and 34 miles of water pipeline. Prosperity continues to this day in Gage County. Small business ventures have exploded into nationally known companies, including Dempster Mill Manufacturing, Beatrice Foods, StoneKraft and Exmark.

FAMOUS PEOPLE OF GAGE COUNTY Two scientists and three renowned members of American theater are among the famous people to have called Beatrice home. • Clara Bewick Colby (1846–1916) was the editor of the Woman’s Tribune in Beatrice between 1883–1886 before moving the newspaper to Washington, D.C. She was an active woman’s suffragette with friends such as Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton. Her husband, Gen. Leonard Colby, was a lawyer, Nebraska senator, county judge and a general with the

Robert Taylor

PHOTO COURTESY OF GAGE COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY COLLECTION

Nebraska National Guard. When the National Guard was sent to help bury the dead after the Battle of Wounded Knee in 1891, Colby brought back to Beatrice a Sioux infant known as Lost Bird. • Charles B. Dempster (1853–1933) was a founder of Dempster Mill Manufacturing and became known for producing windmills that are used worldwide. The company still operates today and is the nation’s oldest continuous manufacturer of windmills. • George D. Baker (1868–1933) was a stage actor, film director, writer, producer, magazine illustrator and amateur photographer. Baker directed comedies featuring John Bunny and Flora Finch and was a pioneer in the era of silent films, working for Vitagraph, Metro and MGM. Baker moved to Beatrice in 1881 with his family and was a graduate of Beatrice High School. A rare collection of his early photographic work is housed at the Gage County Historical Society in Beatrice. • Edward W. Washburn (1881–1934) was a chemist and educator known for developing the first method used in preparing “heavy waterâ€? in quantity, which eventually led to the new field of atomic chemistry. Edward grew up in Beatrice, where his father operated a lumber yard. • Harold Lloyd (1893–1971) is regarded as one of the great silent-film comedians of the 1920s. Lloyd was famous for his trademark horn-rimmed glasses and straw hat. Although he was born in Burchard, Nebraska, he spent some of his early years in Beatrice,

where he gained his first acting experience, learned to walk beams, and sold popcorn on the streets. Lloyd acted in more than 200 films and produced a dozen more. He received an honorary Academy Award in 1952 for lifetime achievement. • Spangler Arlington Brugh (1911– 1969), better known as the actor Robert Taylor, moved to Beatrice with his parents, Dr. Spangler and Ruth Brugh, in 1917. Dr. Spangler opened an osteopathic business downtown, and Arlington (as he was known locally) graduated from Beatrice High School in 1929. He majored in music at Doane College in Crete, Nebraska, before transferring to Pomona College in California, where he broke into movies, signing a seven-year contract with MGM in 1934. It was at this time that he changed his name. Taylor appeared in 80 films, two Academy Award-winning documentaries and served as the host for “Death Valley Days.â€? • James P. Collman (1932) is a chemist, researcher and educator known for discovering how certain metal-bearing enzymes control essential biological functions.

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“ W h a t e ve r a m a n ’s a c t i o n s a re , s u ch m u s t b e h i s s p i r i t .” — Demosthenes, Third Olynthiac

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ituated approximately 35 miles south of Lincoln, Beatrice is located on the four-lane U.S. Highway 77, also known as the Homestead Expressway. The Burlington Northern Railroad serves Beatrice, and private and small commercial flights depart and arrive at Beatrice Municipal Airport. U.S. Highway 136 serves as a scenic byway, the “Heritage Highway” into the community from both the east and west. Adding to the vast appeal of Beatrice is an excellent transportation infrastructure and the community’s central location. Beatrice is 185 miles northwest of Kansas City and only 90 miles southwest of Omaha.

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HISTORY OF TRANSPORTATION/ PUBLIC TRANSIT Perhaps no other facet of the community has undergone as much change in the last 150 years as has transportation. From the early days of the railroad, through the era of streetcars, to present day, the path Beatrice has followed has been greatly influenced by the means of transportation available at any given time. In 1871, the greatest boost to the early growth of Beatrice arrived. That boost came in the form of the Burlington and Northwestern Railroad, whose path between Lincoln and Crete was continued to Beatrice. The presence of the Iron Rail provided a new means of transportation to the west and

Beatrice Area Chamber of Commerce G Celebrating 150 Years

north. In 1881 the line was extended south to Wymore. Until that time, Beatrice was the “end of line,” which encouraged the settlement of immigrants and other train passengers in the immediate vicinity. A natural progression from the railroad, and a step up in convenience, came in the form of streetcars, which arrived in 1884 when a company was organized and funds were raised to build streetcar lines. This company brought three cars and a number of horses and mules to pull them. The first line was ready for business on Nov. 28, 1885; the fare was 5 cents. Two more miles of track were added a year later. During the next few years, street railroads were built in

many directions and were used extensively for about the next six years. In 1893, a company from Lincoln purchased the horse-drawn carriages and electrified the entire system. Electric streetcars were an obvious operational improvement; however, an economic depression and a lack of funding caused the company to sell the lines and equipment.

TECHNOLOGY Today, modern technology dominates the economic scene. The Beatrice City Council and Gage County Economic Development have worked hard to diversify our economy. They offer incentives to companies to relocate to Beatrice/Gage County. A spec building that was built in 2001 with the goal of attracting high-tech, service-oriented businesses now houses a Internet marketing company — Knowledge Marketing — whose clients develop specific, target-based marketing campaigns. Southeast Community College and the Beatrice Area Chamber of Commerce host a transition fair at the college every spring. This is a great opportunity to work with high school students and feature different businesses representing all career paths. Students have the chance to learn more about the best technology for every solution. Ragland Electric & Automation is a perfect example of cutting-edge technology, with experience on everything from CNC equipment to increasing production via state-ofthe-art controls upgraded with the latest, most productive technology.

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Approximately 2,600 workers are employed by about 60 manufacturing plants in Beatrice and Gage County. A total of 268 acres in three industrial parks provide a definite incentive for industries to locate in Beatrice. Some of the industries located in Beatrice include Accuma Corporation, Agrium U.S., Beatrice Machine, Borgman Crate and Pallet, Dempster Industries, Continental Carbonics, Beatrice Bakery, Plymouth Industries, Encore Manufacturing, Beatrice Concrete, Exmark Manufacturing, Hoover Material Handling Group, Husqvarna, Koch Nitrogen, NEAPCO, Precise Fabrication, and Store Kraft Manufacturing.

CHURCHES The first church in Beatrice was constructed of native limestone in 1868. Citizens of all faiths were clamoring to have a place of worship, and for a short period of time this building served several denominations. Soon after its construction the Methodist Episcopal Church took over the financial responsibilities of the church. This church building served the congregation until 1885, when they built a brick edifice on the northeast corner of 6th and Elk. This church building was replaced in 1930 with a Gothic Revival stone church at the same location. In a 1930 promotion booklet, Beatrice was called “The City of Trees and Churches.� Today, more than 30 churches enhance the landscape of the community.

More than 30 churches grace the gentle Beatrice landscape.

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“ T h e m i ra c l e , o r t h e p o we r, t h a t e l e va t e s t h e f e w i s t o b e f o u n d i n t h e i r i n d u s t r y, a p p l i c a t i o n , a n d p e rs e ve ra n c e u n d e r t h e p r o m p t i n g o f a b ra ve , d e t e r m i n e d s p i r i t .”

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he reasons for the prosperity of today’s Beatrice can be traced back to the community’s roots, including the first homestead established under the Homestead Act of 1862 and the development of U.S. Highway 77, a four-lane expressway. Beatrice has grown and developed enormously since a small group formed the Nebraska Townsite Association in 1857. Some 148 years later in 2005, the city issued $18 million in building permits. The members of the Nebraska Townsite Association faced the hardships of pioneer life when they first established this city on the Big Blue. But today, Beatrice is a welcoming and thriving community with many amenities and services for residents and visitors. Home of the Homestead National Monument of America, the Beatrice Speedway, the Beatrice Bruins (a semi-pro baseball team), the Big Blue Water Park, 31 restaurants, six motels, and a bed and breakfast, there is something for everyone here.

HISTORY OF INDUSTRY IN BEATRICE — HIGHLIGHTS • Beatrice’s first business, a mill, was built on the Big Blue River. The river provided power for the mill, but unfortunately also flooded parts of the new town on a fairly regular basis. • In 1888 a group of businessmen bought land near the river and organized the Interstate Chautauqua to bring important speakers to the community. In addition to an impressive tabernacle, a bandstand and a boathouse were also constructed in time for 10

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Beatrice Area Chamber of Commerce G Celebrating 150 Years

— Mark Twain

the inaugural season of 1889. In 1910 the City of Beatrice bought the land for use as a public park. The original tabernacle stills exists, with some additions and improvements. • First National Beatrice Bank opened its doors as a private bank in 1872 with John and Samuel Smith as the owners. It was one of the first 10 national banks in Nebraska. It still exists today and is an employee-owned bank. • A gun and lock repair shop operated by F.D. Kees was opened in 1874. The business eventually became part of Snapper Power Equipment Division of Fuqua Industries and is now owned by Husqvarna. • In 1891 Sophie Dole started her own business with an investment of $1.75. That small investment has endured and prospered for more than 100 years and continues to this day as Dole Floral. • William Morton’s business venture developed into Store Kraft Manufacturing in the 1920s. Today, Store Kraft still produces store fixtures for companies around the world and retains its headquarters in Beatrice.

BUSINESS IN BEATRICE TODAY The city’s industrial base has broadened over the years, and now some call Beatrice the “Lawn Mower Capital of the World.” Encore, Exmark (a division of Toro Industries) and Husqvarna all have manufacturing plants here. Thanks to the efforts of the state, the mayor and City Council, the Gage County Board of Supervisors (county officials who provide funds

for county roads/feasibility studies), utility companies, businesses, and educators, there are plenty of new enterprises in place to carry on the city’s thriving economy. Gage County Economic Development Inc. and the Beatrice Area Chamber of Commerce, along with the city, county and other partners, have been instrumental in getting the following companies to commit to the county: • The village of Adams will construct a dry-mill ethanol plant northwest of Adams. E Energy Adams will create about 30 jobs. Subject to state and local approval of incentives, the $80 million ethanol facility should be fully operational by 2007. The plant will use 18.5 million bushels of corn and is expected to produce 50 million gallons of ethanol annually. • Blue Valley Automation (BVA Inc.), a startup manufacturing company offering new levels of automation for the wood-flooring industry, began operations at 415 Industrial Row, Beatrice, in April 2006. BVA Inc. began with 10 full-time employees and anticipates having 36 full-time employees by the end of 2006. The annual payroll is estimated at $2 million. • Commercial operations are slated to begin early in 2007 for Beatrice Biodiesel’s 50 million-gallon facility in the Beatrice Industrial Park. The facility will create 16 new jobs with total annual salaries estimated at $700,000. The plant will utilize soybean oil to produce B100, a pure form of biodiesel, for Axens North America. • In September 2005, Gage County Economic Development and Parker Hannifin Corp. jointly announced the opening of a service center in the industrial park located at 2313 Centennial Drive. With nearly 8,200 distributors in 87 countries, Parker Hannifin has the largest distribution network in the motion and control industry. Neapco was the first company to locate in the industrial park, which is now home to 16 companies and 1,300 employees. The Industrial Park is located in northwest Beatrice, adjacent to the Airport and U.S. Highway 77. The infrastructure and street access in the Industrial Park was built to accommodate manufacturing, with special emphasis given to weight and truck traffic specifications. Beatrice can attribute much of its economic success to funding sources, including community development block grants, LB 840 and tax increment financing, along with state and federal programs that create opportunities for business growth and employment in Nebraska. Beatrice is happy to participate with Lincoln Partners in Economic Development, which allows for the combination of resources and the creation of economic development advantages throughout southeast Nebraska.

TOP MANUFACTURERS BY NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES Business ............................................................................Employees Exmark Manufacturing Co. Inc....................................................704 Husqvarna Turf Care Company ....................................................356 Store Kraft Manufacturing Co. .....................................................290 NEAPCO .......................................................................................240 Sheridan Industries .......................................................................211 Hoover Material Handling Group...................................................84 Dempster Industries Inc. ................................................................51 Southeast Nebraska Co-Op Inc. .....................................................51 Beatrice Bakery Co. .........................................................................46 Encore Manufacturing Co. Inc. ......................................................45 Ratigan-Schottler Manufacturing....................................................45 Borgman Crate & Pallet..................................................................39 J & J Wire .......................................................................................38 Koch Nitrogen Co. ..........................................................................38 Source: Gage County Economic Development Inc.

TOP NON-MANUFACTURERS BY NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES Business ............................................................................Employees Beatrice State Developmental Center ...........................................850 Beatrice Community Hospital and Parkview Center ...................414 Public Schools ...............................................................................318 Mosaic ...........................................................................................310 City of Beatrice..............................................................................141 Good Samaritan Center ................................................................127 State of Nebraska ..........................................................................117 Southeast Community College Beatrice .......................................114 County Government .....................................................................110 Beatrice Concrete ............................................................................39 Norris Public Power District ..........................................................33 Source: Gage County Economic Development Inc.

OLDEST BUSINESSES Business .................................................................... Year Established First National Beatrice Bank .......................................................1872 Husqvarna Turf Care Division ....................................................1874 Dempster Industries....................................................................1878 Wymore Arbor State ...................................................................1881 Dole Floral ..................................................................................1891 Beatrice Daily Sun .......................................................................1902 Hoover Materials Handling Group Inc. ......................................1911 Southeast Nebraska Co-Op Inc. .................................................1919 Store Kraft Manufacturing Company .........................................1920 Beatrice Bakery Company-Grandma’s Bake Shoppe...................1924 Miller Printery.............................................................................1939 Ratigan-Schottler Manufacturing................................................1940

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“The vitality of thought is in adventure. Ideas won’t keep. Something must be done about them.” — Alfred North Whitehead

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common passion for the “Downtown Experience” links a group of volunteers from the business and service sector who govern the Main Street Beatrice organization. These volunteers represent a cross-section of the business community that calls this pedestrian-friendly and historic — yet cuttingedge — location their home. The Main Street Beatrice mission statement asserts: “Main Street Beatrice will promote a positive image of the downtown by preserving our unique historic character; strengthening our district’s economic base; and emphasizing downtown as the center of community activity through a focused program of organization, design, promotion, and economic restructuring.” The group’s goal is “to revitalize the downtown through enhancement of its identity, preservation of its heritage, strengthening of its economic vitality, and its restoration as a center of community activity.” Main Street Beatrice offers solutions to downtown business and building owners that are unique to their circumstances. From suggestions on building maintenance and façade restoration to ways to keep the cash register ringing, this organization’s aim is to offer an experience uniquely available downtown. Main Street Beatrice is backed by a dedicated group of local members, along with the state and national Main Street programs. The State Departments of Economic Development and Roads, the

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Beatrice Area Chamber of Commerce G Celebrating 150 Years

State Historical Society and State Historic Preservation Office, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln College of Architecture, and the Nebraska Community Foundation are all resources available at the local level through the State Main Street program. The Main Street Program is a division of the National Trust for Historic Preservation and is the most successful economic development entity in the United States. Main Street Beatrice is one of only four nationally certified Main Street programs in Nebraska. The Beatrice Main Street Historic District, which encompasses 16 blocks in the downtown area, is one of the largest in the nation and — in addition to taking the leading role in downtown preservation — Main Street also participates in promotional events, tourism, arts and entertainment. The revitalization of the community park at the location of the former Union Pacific Depot was spearheaded by Main Street Beatrice. This park, known as Trailhead Park, is where hiking and biking trails merge with the Big Blue River, the Deroin Trail, and State Highway 4 and U.S. Highway 136 at the historic area originally settled by this community’s founders 150 years ago. As host of everything from “Night of the Great Pumpkin” to the annual Bridal Fair, Main Street is home to numerous community events that feature something for every taste, including the Nebraska Governor’s Pheasant Hunt, which draws sportsmen from all over the United States.

The Beatrice Public Library promotes and celebrates lifelong learning.

BEATRICE’S SHOPPING SELECTIONS

SIGNIFICANT DOWNTOWN STRUCTURES • The Carnegie Building, noted for its Beaux-Arts Classical architectural style, is on the National Register of Historic Places. Located at 218 N. 5th St., the structure, originally a library, was completed in 1904 with a $20,000 grant from steel tycoon and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. By 1991, the building was no longer used as a library. The Carnegie Center Inc., a local group, is trying to raise $400,000 in private donations to restore the building. Main Street has held events such as “An Evening with Edgar Alan Poeâ€? in the Carnegie Building. • Beatrice Public Library and Arboretum, located at the corner of 16th and Court streets, was built in 1991 on the site of the former Sonderegger Nurseries. A display on the Sonderegger Nurseries can be viewed at the Gage County Museum. The library provides a variety of services, including books, videos, DVDs, audio books, free Internet search service, periodicals, genealogy and local history collections. With special services that include story times, book discussion groups for all ages, locally produced exhibits, traveling displays, cultural programs reflecting our diverse community, and more, there is something for everyone.

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No community can thrive without a solid business base. Besides Beatrice’s vital downtown area and its unique specialty shops, the city has shopping in every corner. To the north is Indian Creek Mall, which has shopping anchored by Alco; located further out on Highway 77 is Wal-Mart Supercenter. To the east Beatrice has Pamida and several specialty stores. On the west side is the Gage County Fairgrounds, along with antique shops and Southeast Community College.

Beatrice’s downtown area is full of unique specialty shops.

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“ G re a t n e c e s s i t i e s c a l l f o r t h g re a t l e a d e rs .” — Abigail Adams

“CHARACTER COUNTS!”

A

s the largest town and the county seat of Gage County, Beatrice has witnessed many of the historic decisions that have guided the area into the prosperous position it holds today.

CITY GOVERNMENT AND SERVICES A mayor and eight-member City Council serve as the governing body of the City of Beatrice, whose day-to-day operation is overseen by a city administrator appointed by the mayor. The city’s Board of Public Works maintains city streets and is the owner and operator of the electrical, water and sanitary sewer-distribution systems. A full-time police force and fire and rescue services protect residents of Beatrice, whose police department operates a countywide enhanced 911 dispatch center. Fire and rescue services, as well as countywide ambulance service, are provided by the Beatrice Fire Department. Ten city parks, covering approximately 200 acres, are managed by the Beatrice Public Properties Department and offer various recreational services. Ball diamonds, tennis courts and picnic areas are featured at the three largest parks, which also have covered shelters available for special occasions. Well-equipped campgrounds offering 14

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accommodation for motor homes, campers and tents are located at two parks. All permits for new structures must be submitted to the city’s building inspection office. The City of Beatrice follows international building, plumbing and electrical codes. All electrical codes are administered by the State Electrical Board.

COUNTY GOVERNMENT AND SERVICES County funds are managed by the County Board of Supervisors, except where otherwise specified by the State Legislature. There are seven members on the County Board, and members serve four-year terms. Law enforcement throughout the county is overseen by the Gage County Sheriff’s Office. The position of county sheriff is an elected office with a term of four years. The county treasurer’s office collects the fees received by all county offices. The treasurer also collects personal property and real estate taxes before the funds are distributed to the various cities, townships, schools, fire districts and other appropriate entities. Everyone residing in the county must register their vehicles and boats at this office, and individuals can also renew a driver’s license, identification card and assorted other permits at the office. The treasurer is elected for fouryear terms.

Beatrice Area Chamber of Commerce G Celebrating 150 Years

The “Character Counts!” program has been implemented by local 4-H clubs, middle schools and high schools and emphasizes the six pillars of character: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship. These six core values are the foundation of the character-education movement. The program’s goal is to help young people to understand and live by these concepts. Building character is treated as a team effort involving parents, teachers, coaches and other adults that involves education, leadership and promoting good character. In 1996 4-H/Extension staff across the state received training. Locally, 4-H/Extension personnel and “School to Work” staff began educating school staffs across the county prior to the Gage County Character Counts! Coalition’s being organized. The six pillars of character were then adopted in 4-H, schools (public and private), classrooms, after-school programs, churches, camps, youth clubs and organizations, and athletics. Many schools have incorporated the six pillars of character into Essential Behavior Skills, District Behavior Plans, Students of the Week and curriculum standards. In 1997 local Youth Character Awards were established for middle school and high school students. Each year, students are honored for their character, as well as for obstacles overcome. In 2003 an award to recognize a Citizen of Character was begun.

CIVIC CLUBS AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT Beatrice has approximately 130 community-oriented clubs and organizations, all of which are not only involved in projects that benefit their own members, but also serve those who assist the entire community.

Examples of residents’ dedication to their hometown include the following: • The community raised over $1 million in private funds for the construction of a new library. • Approximately $2 million was raised in a community-capital campaign conducted for construction of a large addition to the local YMCA and for the addition of soccer fields and a parking lot. • At the time the new high school was built in 1998, $400,000 was raised for the building of a new performing arts center. • The local Rotary Club spearheaded a campaign to raise $500,000 for Veterans Memorial Park, which was dedicated in the spring of 2005. There are ongoing projects to benefit Habitat for Humanity and to renovate and preserve the former Carnegie Library Building. In addition, annual auction events are held to assist the Beatrice Humane Society, Beatrice Community Hospital Foundation and the Main Street Beatrice organization. Foundations in the community include the Gage County Foundation, Beatrice Education Foundation, Beatrice Public Library Foundation, Southeast Nebraska YMCA Foundation, Beatrice Community Hospital Foundation and the Beatrice Rotary Foundation.

ENTERPRISE AND COMMERCE Businesses looking to expand or relocate are met with a variety of proposals from communities all across the country. A city needs to have a structure in place to develop and support the business community — and Beatrice does.

Fortunately, Beatrice has several partnerships between Gage County Economic Development, Main Street Beatrice, the Beatrice Area Chamber of Commerce, the Gage County Visitors Bureau, the Rural Enterprise Assistance Project (REAP), and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)–Rural Development to provide businesses and visitors with access to resources on the business climate in Gage County. The goals of these organizations are to: • Provide customized business services and solutions to entrepreneurs, startup companies and businesses looking to relocate, expand or contract operations. • Market and sell Gage County as a great place to locate and expand businesses to industrial, commercial and retail businesses that the groups wish to bring to Beatrice. • Help build and promote consensus between local units of government to create a better environment for the economic growth of Gage County. • Enhance the economic vitality and diversity of the community through targeted recruitment activities. • Help build tourism and bring in more tour groups and conventions to Gage County.

COMMUNITY VISION STATEMENT “Gage County will become the regional destination in Southeast Nebraska for businesses.� Businesses targeted are technologically advanced and retail-oriented, and it is believed more families and younger professionals will be attracted to Gage County through this approach.

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“ Wi t h o u t a s e n s e o f c a r i n g , t h e re can be no sense o f c o m m u n i t y.” — Anthony J. D’Angelo

SKILLED HEALTHCARE CLOSE TO HOME: BEATRICE COMMUNITY HOSPITAL & HEALTH CENTER History Beatrice Community Hospital is proud to continue the tradition of caring that was started in Beatrice when Dr. Harry Hepperlen opened the first hospital on July 1, 1899. The six-bed hospital specialized in women’s diseases. By 1900, the hospital had been expanded to 30 beds. Because Hepperlen wanted to spend more time with his patients, he sold the hospital to the United Brethren Church in 1909. In 1914, it was purchased by the Lutheran Hospital Society and became known as the Lutheran Hospital. Mennonite families who had moved to the Beatrice area from Prussia were searching for a way of thanking God and their fellow man for the privilege of living in a free America and in the Beatrice community. Their answer: build a hospital. The approximate cost was $25,000, and when the Mennonite Deaconess Home and Hospital was dedicated on July 16, 1911, it was debt-free. In 1982, the Lutheran Hospital was purchased by the Mennonite Hospital, 16

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and the combined hospitals became known as the Beatrice Community Hospital. The strong Christian traditions of these hospitals and physicians of the past are carried out today by the medical staff and employees of Beatrice Community Hospital. BCH offers nationally accredited health care; a skilled staff; modern, up-to-date equipment; and the ability to provide many of the same services offered by larger facilities. Services The 71-bed critical access hospital and long-term care facility known as Parkview Center employs more than 430 people, with 18 medical staff, including four emergency services physicians who provide physician coverage 24/7 in the Emergency Department. The physicians on staff are board certified in their respective specialties, which include family practice, obstetrics/gynecology, general surgery, internal medicine, radiology, emergency medicine and gastroenterology. Parkview also offers respite care and adult day care services. Specialty clinics are another way that BCH provides “Skilled Healthcare Close to Home.” An average of 40 clinics are held every month in specialties that include

Beatrice Area Chamber of Commerce G Celebrating 150 Years

pulmonology, hematology, oncology, nephrology, neurology, vascular, urology and cardiology. Specialists work closely with local physicians, creating a continuity of care for the patient when he or she leaves the clinic and returns to the primary physician’s office. In addition to independent medical clinics, BCH operates the Beatrice Children’s Clinic within the hospital and the Wymore Medical Clinic in Wymore, Nebraska. BCH offers a wide range of services that include chemotherapy; medical nutrition; therapy consultation; respiratory care; X-ray; mammography; CT scans; Doppler studies; echocardiograms; MRI; EEGs; nuclear medicine; pulmonary rehabilitation; ultrasound; bone densitometry; labor, delivery and recovery suites; and wellness programs. A variety of rehabilitative services are available at BCH. These include physical therapy, speech pathology and therapy, and occupational therapy. Cardiac and pulmonary rehab services are also offered. For more than 40 years, the Home Health Department has provided physician-directed home health care to residents in Gage, Jefferson, Saline and Pawnee counties. The department offers a variety of services 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Nursing care

is provided by registered nurses, and home health aides provide bath and personal care. Personal, private-duty nursing care is available. Other services include hospice, lifeline and medical social work. Beatrice Community Hospital strives each day to provide the services that assist the medical staff in diagnosing, treating and caring for patients. To accomplish that goal, advanced technology and equipment are needed. A new 16-slice CT scanner was installed in the spring of 2006. The new scanner improves image quality by offering a more detailed study, shorter breath-hold times and lower patient-radiation doses. A new Hematology System completes a blood test twice as fast as previous equipment and runs an internal quality check on every sample. Surgical equipment, a cardiac monitor, a vascular ultrasound table and a radiology information system were added in 2005. Increasing demand for sleep study tests has resulted in the expansion of that area of the cardiopulmonary department. At BCH, staff members are committed to meeting the growing and changing health care needs of our community. During the fall of 2005, a community-wide Healthcare Needs Assessment study was conducted, and in 2006, a long-range Strategic Plan was developed. Both serve as guides to meeting not only the current health care needs in the Beatrice community but in preparing for meeting the challenges of tomorrow.

BEATRICE STATE DEVELOPMENTAL CENTER (BSDC) Skilled professionals provide expert medical care at Beatrice Community Hospital.

Since 1887 BSDC has called Beatrice home, providing 24-hour residential, medical, rehabilitative and consultative services for Nebraskans with mental retardation or related conditions.

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MOSAIC In the first quarter of the 20th century, Nebraska Lutherans in Axtell and Sterling built Bethphage and Martin Luther Homes from the ground up so that people with disabilities would have opportunities to realize their potential. In 2003, these organizations consolidated to form Mosaic, dedicated to continuing the common mission of positively impacting the lives of people with disabilities across the United States and throughout the world. Mosaic provides people with disabilities the support and advocacy they need to realize wholeness of life. Mosaic provides support to about 3,600 clients and taps the efforts of over 4,800 staff members in 50 communities in 15 states and Great Britain. Mosaic clients work within businesses in Beatrice, helping us understand the importance of giving and receiving.

Beatrice Area Chamber of Commerce G Celebrating 150 Years

RETIREMENT HOUSING/ ASSISTED LIVING When it comes to selecting retirement housing, assisted living, skilled or rehabilitative care, memory loss care, or any other older adult services, the best decisions are made when consumers have properly evaluated all of their options. Assisted living offers help with the aspects of daily activities in an atmosphere of separate, private living units. It can be likened to congregate living for residents less able to function independently in all aspects of daily living. Three assisted living facilities are available in Beatrice. These include Homestead House, The Paddock Kensington and Samaritan Springs. The three long-term care facilities available include Parkview Center, a division of Beatrice Community Hospital; the Beatrice Good Samaritan Center; and Beatrice Manor Care Center. Gold Crest Retirement Center is located in rural Adams, Nebraska. The scenic Gold Crest campus can offer a range from total independence to moderate assistance with many services, when and if they are requested. The Wymore Good Samaritan & Rehabilitation Center is in Wymore, Nebraska. This beautiful center is nestled at the edge of town and is within walking distance of downtown shopping. A range of care options is available, and the center is dedicated to offering residents many options for daily living.

A A

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Homestead House

The Kensington

A A

Parkview Village Inc.

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Prairie Heights

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Samaritan Springs

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A

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A A

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SOCIAL AREA/ACTIVITIES

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Parkview Center

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East Arbor Meadows

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Carsten Gardens

Good Samaritan Center

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“ Yo u w i l l f i n d t h a t t h e m e re re s o l ve n o t t o b e u s e l e s s , a n d t h e h o n e s t d e s i re t o h e l p o t h e r p e o p l e , w i l l , i n t h e q u i cke s t a n d d e l i c a t e s t way s , i m p r o ve yo u rs e l f.” — John Ruskin

ONE STOP COMMUNITY RESOURCE CENTER Local and regional groups in the area began meeting in the mid1980s on various health and human services issues. Coupled with the Nebraska Department of Social Services’ effort to promote coordinated services, this led to the founding of the Family Resource Center, which eventually became the One Stop Community Resource Center. The One Stop Community Resource Center is a group of partners offering resources necessary for successful management of self and family, health care options and employment skills. Offices and programs are divided into specific focuses, making finding a needed resource easy for residents: 20

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Beatrice Area Chamber of Commerce G Celebrating 150 Years

• Arbor Education & Training • Best Care Employee Assistance • Blue Valley Community Action Partnership–Crisis Intervention • Blue Valley Community Action Partnership–Early Head Start • Blue Valley Community Action Partnership– Family and Community Services • Blue Valley Community Action Partnership– Foster Grandparent Program • Blue Valley Community Action Partnership–Head Start • Continuum Employee Assistance-Training-Consulting • Department of Labor Workforce Development • Experience Works

Residents who wish to give back to the community have a number of opportunities, including serving at the Community Pantry.

• Family Resource Center Office • Gage County Economic Development • Gage County Even Start Program • Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services System • Nebraska Vocational Rehabilitation • Partners of All Ages • Prairie Partnership Office • The Resolution Center • Southeast Nebraska Area Health Education Center (SE-AHEC)

OTHER COUNTY/COMMUNITY RESOURCES • The Salvation Army is serving more people in the United States than ever before. Recently there have been large increases in the number of Americans seeking the basic necessities of life — food, shelter and warmth. More than 33 million people received help from The Salvation Army in 2004. Beatrice’s Salvation Army is renovating its building and expanding its services to meet the needs of the surrounding community. • Community Pantry & Emergency Services, located at St. John Lutheran Church, provides families and individuals with food and paper products in emergency situations. • Gage County Safe Schools/Healthy Students is a countywide partnership aimed at reaching all youth to bring about positive change through schools and community. Programs are designed to ensure all Gage County youth have a safe and healthy environment in which they can grow and learn. Go to the online resource directory for more information: www.gagecosshs.com.

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“Let us think of education as the means of d e ve l o p i n g o u r g re a t e s t a b i l i t i e s , b e c a u s e i n e a ch o f u s t h e re i s a p r i va t e h o p e a n d d re a m wh i ch , f u l f i l l e d , c a n b e t ra n s l a t e d i n t o b e n e f i t f o r e ve r yo n e a n d g re a t e r s t re n g t h f o r o u r n a t i o n .” — John F. Kennedy

PRESCHOOL–GRADE 12 From the time they set foot in daycare to the day they graduate college, the education of this community’s children is a top priority in Beatrice. The educational institutions in town support that idea, and the Beatrice Public School District has a consistent and devoted faculty of teachers who have achieved a high standard of professional development. There are many programs and organizations whose goal of assisting families and children in early educational development is fully supported by the community. Licensed daycare and preschool programs put the building blocks in place for a solid education down the road. Business partnerships are in place at each of the four elementary schools to foster a sense of community within the students. Parental support is exhibited at each school through parents’ involvement in parentteacher organizations, booster clubs and other activities. Computer labs and networked classrooms are part of all buildings, and each facility has a library. Beatrice High School has a current graduation rate of 99.7 percent, and in 2004, students had an average ACT score of 22.5 (the national average was 20.9). Approximately 80 percent of graduates continue their education at colleges and/or trade schools; 22

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5 percent join the military, and 15 percent secure employment. For families who prefer the environment of a private school, there are two religious schools in Beatrice. Saint Joseph Catholic School offers services for kindergarten through 6th grade, while Saint Paul’s Lutheran School has classes for kindergarten through 5th grade. Both schools’ missions focus on teaching in a Christ-centered learning environment.

SOUTHEAST COMMUNITY COLLEGE Southeast Community College is a twoyear college with campuses in Beatrice, Lincoln and Milford, and continuing-education class sites in the 15 counties of Southeast Nebraska. The college offers 48 programs from which to choose a major. SCC-Beatrice students can choose from career programs in agriculture business and management, business administration, mass media, Nebraska law enforcement, business information technology, and practical nursing. Tuition for 2006–2007 is the lowest of any college in Nebraska. The outstanding placement staff will help obtain multiple job offers for students upon graduation so they can find a good match with their interests, skills and values. SCC-Beatrice has a strong academic transfer program in which students can

Beatrice Area Chamber of Commerce G Celebrating 150 Years

earn up to the first two years of a four-year degree and transfer credit to a four-year college. Recent data from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln indicate that SCC-Beatrice transfer students achieve cumulative grade point averages comparable to those students who began their careers at UN-L. SCC awards associate of arts, associate of science and associate of applied science degrees, as well as diplomas or certificates to students who successfully complete a program. The 2000 Census shows a median annual salary for people with associate’s degrees of $35,400. Information from the American Association of Community Colleges projects that the average expected lifetime earnings for a graduate with an associate’s degree will total more than $1 million. SCC-Beatrice offers a full range of courses in the traditional classroom setting, but an interactive fiber-optic network opens distance-learning opportunities to high school students and others in an ever-expanding offering of courses. Credit from these courses transfers to SCC and to other twoyear and four-year colleges and universities. SCC-Beatrice also offers the convenience of SCC On-Line (Internet), which includes first- and second-year college-level courses in such areas as composition, mathematics, psychology, business and many others. Beatrice High School participates with SCC

in the Tech Prep program, which helps students prepare for continued education after high school graduation. The beautiful, safe Beatrice campus provides students a traditional college experience with small classes and friendly faculty and staff. The campus includes state-of-the-art classrooms, labs and equipment. SCC-Beatrice also offers newer apartment-style residential housing for all students. The campus offers many activities for students, including a variety of student organizations to promote academic excellence and professional growth. There are also many opportunities to participate in social and recreational activities. An attractive Student Center offers students a good place to meet and relax. SCC-Beatrice is also home to theater and music departments and intercollegiate athletics. The Truman Center provides a gymnasium for athletic events and an auditorium for theater and musical productions. SCC teams compete at the intercollegiate level in men’s and women’s basketball, men’s golf, and women’s volleyball. SCC athletic participation is governed by the eligibility rules of the National Junior College Athletic Association. Both credit and non-credit courses are offered to individuals, businesses and communities throughout the SCC service area by SCC-Beatrice Continuing Education. Focus areas include: • Adult Guided Studies — GED, English as a Second Language and citizenship classes. • Agriculture — Classes in farm and financial management and marketing. • Business — A wide variety of classes, including keyboarding, real estate appraiser/licensure, small business management, and microcomputer classes for business and home.

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The 10,000-square-foot Beatrice Business Campus is located just south of SCC-Beatrice and was a joint effort of the city, county, utility company and the SCC Educational Foundation. The business campus provides a technology building that assists Beatrice in diversifying the labor market and creating higher-end information technology positions. Students receive a quality, affordable education at Southeast Community College, where the 2006–2007 tuition is the lowest of any college in Nebraska.

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• Family and Consumer Science — Training for school food service supervisors and child care professionals. • Health — Updates (CEUs) for nurses, nursing assistants, emergency medical technicians and many other classes. • Personal Enrichment — Many types of classes in arts, crafts, floristry, recreation and fitness, woodworking, travel, and much more. • Industrial, Technical and Vocational Trades — Training in automotive, boiler operation, custodial maintenance, electrical, machine tool and more. • Community Services — Many types of classes are offered in communities throughout southeast Nebraska. • Workforce Customized Training Services — Classes in all areas tailored to meet the needs of business and industry, scheduled at convenient times and places.

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“A go o d n e i g h b o r i s a g re a t b l e s s i n g .” — Hesiod

ADAMS

ELLIS

Adams was known as the only dry town in Gage County until an ordinance prohibiting “the sale, giving away, delivering, or furnishing in any manner any spirituous, malt, vinous, or intoxicating liquors within the village” was repealed in the 1990s. Adams was settled by John O. Adams in 1857 and is governed by a board that meets the first Thursday of each month.

BARNESTON Located in southern Gage County, Barneston was once the site of the Otoe and Missouria Indian Reservation. Settlers took control of the Barneston area on May 17, 1884, after the Indians were removed to Oklahoma. Shale and flint made this land desirable. Frances and Mary Jane Barnes owned a trading post on the reservation that later became a store for settlers.

BLUE SPRINGS Blue Springs was founded in 1854 and was the challenger to Beatrice as a potential county seat. Prairie fires did extensive damage to the outskirts of town in 1871, and in 24

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1874, an invasion of grasshoppers destroyed crops, as well as clothing, curtains, bedding and carpeting. Blue Springs gets its name from nearby springs, which the Indians thought had medicinal powers. In 1859 a toll bridge was built across the Blue River but was later washed out.

CLATONIA Clatonia was incorporated as a village in 1893 after the land was donated and plated by the Steinmeyer family. It was named for the Clatonia Creek which flows nearby.

CORTLAND Cortland was first called Galesburg after Alfred Gale, but that name was rejected by U.S. postal authorities. After the advent of the Union Pacific Railroad, the town was named “Courtland,” after Courtland, New York; the spelling was later changed to “Cortland.” Many a settler who was following the railroad decided to stay in the area and helped the town grow.

Beatrice Area Chamber of Commerce G Celebrating 150 Years

Despite a fire in 1931 that destroyed blocks of businesses that were never rebuilt because of the Great Depression, this small unincorporated town and its area farmers still maintain a unique bond. Soon after the town was platted in 1887, two elevators and a depot were built and other businesses — such as a lumberyard, hardware store and general store — soon followed.

FILLEY Filley was named in honor of Elijah Filley, who donated the land in 1882. His stone barn, built in 1874, is still standing two miles southwest of Filley and is part of the Gage County Historical Society’s properties. Originally known as Mud Creek Township, it was renamed Filley Township in 1883.

HOLMESVILLE Originally known as Shaw in 1880, the town was renamed Holmesville in honor of the first postmaster, Morgan Holmes. Stone used for the first state capitol in Lincoln was

quarried nearby and was later recycled as railroad ballast.

LANHAM Lanham was originally known as Morton. The north side of its main street is located in Nebraska, while the south side is in Kansas. Located 25 miles south of Beatrice, Lanham was organized in 1882 by a Mr. Brubaker, who had purchased the land two years earlier. Lanham was platted in 1884 and named for a Burlington railroad official.

LIBERTY This tiny town dating from 1869 was once nicknamed “Stringtown� because it grew around the main line of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad. In 1881, Nathaniel Cain, Frank Muchmore and Allan Jimmerson deeded land to Lincoln Land Co., which platted the town and sold lots. Two state legislators, a U.S. senator and a New York Times editor hailed from Liberty.

ODELL The entire town of Charleston packed up and moved to the new town of Odell. Prior to the founding of Odell, Charleston had been on the south side of Indian Creek, about a mile from Odell. Upon the arrival of the railroad, Charleston residents could see their town was dying, so they packed up and moved.

PICKRELL Pickrell’s main street was not paved until 1959, long after the town was incorporated in 1913 and the first gas streetlights were installed in 1915. The village board

contracted for electric streetlights in 1922, and U.S. Highway 77 was paved past Pickrell corner nine years later. In spring of 1857, Edward C. Austin located a claim just east of here. Hopes for the settlement of Austin died when the miller moved to Beatrice.

ROCKFORD Rockford Lake, site of a state recreation area, can be found south of this unincorporated town. Around 1874, limestone was quarried from the Rockford area; stone from this site was used to build the Filley Stone Barn and Dobbs School. Rockford reached its peak around 1915, when — among other things — it had a post office, two grain elevators and two stockyards.

VIRGINIA

The Filley stone barn was built in 1874.

Fires over the years have reduced downtown Virginia to a shadow of its former self. This town, named after the daughter of Ford Lewis, is situated about 15 miles east of Beatrice on State Highway 4. In 1887, Ford Lewis donated land to be platted as Virginia. The Kansas Northwestern Railroad once had a turntable and roundhouse in the town.

WYMORE Much like many towns in this state, Wymore’s very existence is a result of the needs of the Burlington Railroad. When the railroad needed land, Sam Wymore offered a section of his property south of Blue Springs as an inducement to build there rather than neighboring Blue Springs. A two-story train depot was built in Wymore in 1890. A roundhouse was build and Wymore served as Division Headquarters.

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“ W h a t we p l ay i s l i f e .” — Louis Armstrong

W

hether it’s for the thriving arts community, its destination as a hunting and fishing haven, its premier golf courses, or for festivals and events that dot the calendar, Gage County has plenty of reasons for you to visit.

HISTORIC ATTRACTIONS • Cedar Creek Pottery — Among the many reasons to visit Beatrice is the old church located off U.S. Highway 136 east of town. Home to Cedar Creek Pottery, here you can see the fine work of a true artisan. • Elijah Filley Stone Barn — Located two miles south of Filley off State Highway 4, this attraction is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a property of the Gage County Historical Society. • The Historical Society Museum — The Gage County Historical Society operates a museum year-round that collects, preserves and interprets artifacts and archival materials significant to the history of Gage County and holds them in trust for present and future generations. The museum is located at 101 N. 2nd St. in Beatrice and is housed in the Burlington Railroad Passenger Station, built in 1906. It’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is open from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and from 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays. It is closed on major holidays and on Saturdays from Labor Day through Memorial Day. Admission is free, and tourist information is available on site. • Great Plains Welsh Heritage Center — The center includes Pleasantview Schoolhouse Museum. See the Hall of Welsh American Heroes honoring presidents, Supreme Court justices, explorers, poets and others of Welsh heritage.

FESTIVALS AND CELEBRATIONS • Monumental Fiddling Championship — Enjoy hours of fiddling by young and old alike. Fiddling was a form of entertainment enjoyed by homesteaders and settlers all over the United States. 26

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Beatrice Area Chamber of Commerce G Celebrating 150 Years

• Sam Wymore Days — The event features a parade, flea market, street dance, barbecue, backseat-driver contest and ball tournaments. • Homestead Days — Mid-June brings Homestead Days at Homestead National Monument of America. The event is held at the monument site, in Beatrice’s downtown area, and in Chautauqua Park. There is a craft show at Indian Creek Mall. Demonstrations include woodworking, hide-tanning, soapmaking, blacksmithing and quilting. There are also special speakers and musical presentations. • Gage County Fair — The fair is held each July and features music stars, 4-H and open class exhibits, automobile racing and demolition derby/crazy cruisers, family entertainment, and midway rides. In 2007, the fair will celebrate 50 years at the present location. • Monumental Cycling Event — This three-day stage race features two challenging road races, an individual time trial and a final day criterium, which will challenge riders of all levels.

SPECTATOR SPORTS • Beatrice Bruins — For more than 37 summers, baseball players from across the country have found their way to the Bruins. Many Division I coaches entrust Bob Steinkamp with the development of promising stars. • Beatrice Speedway — The IMCA season runs from April through fall and features IMCA modified, pro am, IMCA stock cars, factory stocks and IMCA hobby stock. The crazy cruiser season begins in late April.

GOLF • Hidden Acres Golf Course — This course can be found just west of Beatrice and features 18 competitive greens. • Beatrice Country Club — Built around an 18-hole course, the club’s amenities include a putting green, chipping green, practice bunker, driving range, lessons, rental clubs, rental carts and pull carts.

• Wymore Country Club — This club boasts a challenging nine-hole course. Additional features include a putting green, chipping green, driving range, rental clubs, rental carts and pull carts.

HUNTING, FISHING, SHOOTING AND CAMPING • Cub Creek Hunting — Located west of Beatrice, Cub Creek offers hunting of pheasant and whitetail deer. • Indian Creek Lodge — Located southeast of Odell, Indian Creek Lodge was constructed inside of a quanshut building for game hanging and cleaning. • Rockford Lake — Near Beatrice, Rockford Lake offers primitive camping, along with boating, fishing, picnicking and swimming. • Big Indian Recreation Area — This popular locale features fishing, hunting, boating, swimming, tent camping, picnicking, hiking, biking and crosscountry skiing near Odell. Big Indian also has an archery range that hosts competitions. • Wolf-Wildcat Lake — Located south of Virginia, Wolf-Wildcat offers fishing, hunting, hiking and crosscountry skiing.

• Arrowhead Wildlife Management Area — Three miles east of Diller, Arrowhead offers hunting of deer, dove, pheasant, quail, rabbit and waterfowl. • Donald Whitney Memorial — A wildlife management area, Donald Whitney can be found 3.5 miles west of Odell on Highway 8. Hunting is allowed. • Diamond Lake Wildlife Management Area — Also on Highway 8 is Diamond Lake, located three miles west of Odell. Hunting of deer, dove, pheasant, quail, rabbit, squirrel and waterfowl is permitted. • Iron Horse Trail — Situated off Highway 4 east of Beatrice, Iron Horse offers hunting for dove, pheasant, quail, squirrel and rabbit. • Gun Club — The Beatrice Gun Club is located off Highway 4 outside of Beatrice and offers skeet shooting and trapshooting.

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Antique lovers find an array of treasures at Gage County’s five antique shops.

Hikers, bikers, joggers and walkers enjoy Beatrice’s four miles of well-groomed community trails.

• Blue Rose Antiques, in Beatrice’s new Antique Mall. • Riverside Antiques and AAA Antiques, located just off Court on Seventh in Beatrice. Call for an appointment. • Antiques Paradise, on West Court on the way to the national monument. • A & A Pawn, open daily from 11:30 to 5 p.m. in downtown Beatrice.

have covered and serve to assist emergency workers. Trails connect numerous parks with ball fields, benches, playgrounds, shelters and tennis courts. The City of Beatrice has recently applied for grant money to expand the current trail system. There is parking available at Ninth and Grable for Chautauqua Park, at Sumner and Pleasant streets for Riverside Park, and at 12th and Scott streets for Water Park.

SHOPPING/ANTIQUES Gage County offers plenty of venues for antiques shopping, including:

Plenty of shops in Gage County offer unique items and a relaxed browsing experience. They include: • Homestead Corral, offering consigned crafts on Nebraska Byway 136.

• Rosie’s Antiques, in downtown Beatrice.

• Cedar Creek Pottery (on South 80th Road), which hosts hundreds of saltglazed pottery pieces. • Treasures of Yesterday and Today, in downtown Wymore, which features new gifts and a collection of antiques. • Country Crafts, a quaint shop located in Odell. • Ebony & Ivy, offering handmade gifts in Cortland. • Spilker Ales Brewery, also on Main Street in Cortland, offering special brews for purchase. There are also regional and national retail outlets in the county to meet your needs, as well.

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Beatrice Community Players offers an improvisational comedy troupe, four regular-season productions, and additional special presentations.

COMMUNITY PLAYERS Beatrice Community Players Inc. offers four regular-season productions, as well as additional special presentations, each year. The Community Players also offer an improvisational comedy troupe available for parties and conventions. Community Players was awarded the 2006 Governor’s Art Award for organizational achievement, a statewide recognition by the Nebraska Arts Council of the Beatrice Theater’s quality programs and outreach efforts.

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ADULT CARE/SENIOR LIVING The Kensington — page 7

105 North 6th St. Beatrice, NE 68310 (402) 228-2000 ........................... fax (402) 228-3287 www.paddock-kensington.com

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Main Street Beatrice — page 30

205 North 4th Street, Suite 205 Beatrice, NE 68310 (402) 223-3244 ........................... fax (402) 223-3662 mainst@inebraska.com www.mainstreetbeatrice.com Main Street Beatrice Arts and Entertainment District Hosting: Nebraska Governors Pheasant Hunt, Farmers Market, Night of the Great Pumpkin and Holiday Festivities including horse-drawn rides and nostalgic hometown experiences.

ATTORNEYS Dalke, Smith & Reis — page 25

Dean Dalke, Duane Smith & Roger Reis 609 Elk Street Beatrice, NE 68310 (402) 223-5257 ........................... fax (402) 223-5259 dalkelaw@alltel.net www.lawyers.com/dalkelaw/index.jsp Our firm is committed to providing high-quality legal services to our clients. General civil practice, real estate, estate planning & administration, taxation, and criminal defense. Serving Beatrice since 1885.

Mahloch Law Office — page 27

1514 Court Street Beatrice , NE 68310 (402) 223-3507 ........................... fax (402) 228-1727 njmahloch@alltel.net www.mahlochlaw.com

AUTOMOTIVE - DEALERSHIP/REPAIR Pro Auto Tune — page 9

520 North Commerce Beatrice, NE 68310 (402) 228-9227 ............................. or (402) 223-9217 rshop@inebraska.com At Pro Auto Tune, we specialize in computer system and engine performance repairs, but are equally skilled in general repairs such as brake service, air conditioning, engine and suspension repairs.

CHIROPRACTORS R. J. Crandall, DC / Beatrice Family Chiropractic — page 27

2526 East Court Street Beatrice, NE 68310 (402) 228-2777 ........................... fax (402) 228-2792 drrj@inebraska.com www.beatricefamilychiropractic.com

COMPUTERS Phoenix Computer Services, Inc. — page 27 122 North 5th Street Beatrice, NE 68310 (402) 228-7117 davidsherwood@pcsbt.com www.pcsbt.com

We subscribe to higher standards of business practices in our relationship with our customers. We treat our customers as we would want to be treated. Period.

DOOR COMPANY Blue Valley Door Company, Inc. — page 28

5320 West State Highway 4 Beatrice, NE 68310 (402) 228-1276 ........................... fax (402) 228-2252 bluevalleydoor@diodecom.net

Your full-service Law Firm with small-town values and caring. Adoptions, Guardianships, Custody, Divorce, Wills, Estates, Purchase Agreements, Powers of Attorney, Deeds, Contracts, Criminal Law and more. Call today!

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Gage County Economic Development, Inc. — page 31

5109 West Scott Road, Suite 411 Beatrice, NE 68310 (402) 223-6650 ........................... fax (402) 223-6651 www.gced.us Gage County Economic Development, Inc. assists in the creation of new business, business retention and the expansion of existing businesses. Beatrice, Nebraska...Roots to Call Home!

EDUCATION Southeast Community College — page 29 Beatrice Campus Lincoln Campus Milford Campus www.southeast.edu

Southeast Community College offers more than 40 career and college transfer programs along with Continuing Education classes throughout southeast Nebraska. Classes tailored to meet business needs are also available.

ELECTRIC MOTOR SALES/SERVICE Industrial Electric Motors — page 21

1410 N. 7th St. P.O. Box 635 Beatrice, NE 68310 (402) 228-3364 ........................... fax (402) 228-3448 www.echogroupinc.com Specializing in Electric Motor sales and service in southeast Nebraska since 1922. Leeson, GE Motors, Baldor, Worldwide and more. Generators, Home Stand-by, P.T.O. and portables. Generac, Winco, Winpower, Yamaha, Tiger-Power and more.

EMPLOYMENT AGENCIES Nebraska Workforce Development Dept. of Labor — page 15

5109 W. Scott Road, Suite 413 Beatrice, NE 68310 (402) 223-6060 ........................... fax (402) 223-6088 www.nebraskaworkforce.com Located on the Southeast Community College Campus in Adams Hall with working hours of Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. The office staffs 6 full-time employees who assist in job searching, job training and unemployment insurance.

FERTILIZER MANUFACTURER Koch Nitrogen Company — page 7

21178 SW 89th Road Beatrice, NE 68310 (402) 223-3577 fax (402) 228-2528 .............www.kochnitrogen.com Koch Nitrogen — a wholly subsidiary of Koch Industries, the largest private company in the U.S. — consists of a single train ammonia plant, a UAN plant and a CO2 liquefaction plant.

FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS First National Bank of Omaha, Beatrice Branch — page 5

Dave Wudel 2205 N. 6th Street Beatrice, NE 68310 (402) 228-4241 ........................... fax (402) 228-4246

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First National Beatrice Bank & Trust Company — page Inside Front Cover

120 N. 6th Street Beatrice, NE 68310 (402) 223-4041 ........................... fax (402) 223-4379 www.fnb-beatrice.com

Pinnacle Bank — page 1

Main Branch 523 Court Street Beatrice, NE 68310 (402) 228-3333 ........................... fax (402) 228-2455 Motor Bank 523 N. 6th St. Beatrice, NE 68310 (402) 228-3461 ........................... fax (402) 228-3097 www.pinnbank.com

Southeast Nebraska Federal Credit Union — page 27 2600 Eastside Blvd. Beatrice, NE 68310 (402) 223-4204 www.senfcu.org

FLOOR COVERINGS Jim’s Carpet — page 23

308 Court Street Beatrice, NE 68310 (402) 228-3684 jimscarpet@charterinternet.com www.jimscarpet.com Our showroom displays a variety of floor covering samples including carpet, vinyl, hardwood, ceramic and fiberfloor. Check out our website for floor covering information at www.jimscarpet.com.

HEALTH & FITNESS Curves - Beatrice — page 15

2205 North 6th Street Beatrice, NE 68310 (402) 228-5999 ........................... fax (402) 228-5999 www.curves.com Curves is a facility specially designed for women featuring a complete 30-minute workout and weight management program that is fun, fast and safe.

HEALTH CARE Beatrice Community Hospital & Health Center — page 17

1110 North 10th Street Beatrice, NE 68310 (402) 228-3344 ........................... fax (402) 223-7299 www.beatricecommunityhospital.com BCH is the largest rural hospital in Southeast Nebraska, able to provide a full range of medical services and procedures. Physician staffed Emergency Department 24/7.

Blue Valley Mental Health Center — page 31 1123 North 9th Street Beatrice, NE 68310 (402) 228-3386 www.bvmhc.net

Blue Valley Mental Health Center is a nonprofit organization that treats children and adults who are experiencing mental health and substance abuse problems.

Good Samaritan Communities SE Nebraska — page 18

1306 South 9th Street Beatrice, NE 68310 (402) 228-3304 ........................... fax (402) 223-5220 www.good-sam.com Serving Gage County for nearly 50 years. Services include: • Christian mission • Skilled nursing care • Assisted living • Alzheimer’s care • Outpatient therapy • Adult day care • Support groups

• Respite care • Rehabilitation Medicare/Medicaid/VA Contract

HEATING & COOLING Beatrice Mechanical Service, Inc. — page 23

2403 Centennial Drive P.O. Box 6 Beatrice, NE 68310 (402) 223-5663 ........................... fax (402) 228-1896 Specializing in: installation and service of residential, commercial, industrial and institutional heating; A/C; sheetmetal fabrication; commercial refrigeration and digital temperature controls.

HOTELS/MOTELS/BED & BREAKFASTS Econo Lodge - Beatrice — page 18

3210 N. 6th Street Beatrice, NE 68310 (402) 223-3536 ........................... fax (402) 228-4666 www.beatricehotel.com Spend a night, NOT a fortune! • Complimentary Breakfast • Free High-Speed Internet • Refrigerator, Microwaves and Hair Dryers in Every Room • Cable TV with HBO • Special Corporate, Senior, CLC Rates

Jones Insurance Agency, Inc. — page 25

121 N. 6th P.O. Box 725 Beatrice, NE 68310 (402) 223-5247 ........................... fax (402) 223-5250 Jones Insurance Agency, Inc. is your independent agency serving the needs of 2,800 individuals and families, and the insurance needs of 1,200 businesses in Eastern and Central Nebraska.

O’Neill Insurance, Inc. — page 9

1717 North 6th Street Beatrice, NE 68310 (402) 228-3352 ........................... fax (402) 228-4621 oi42746@alltel.net www.oneillinsuranceinc.com

INVESTMENT A.G. Edwards — page 19 110 South 6th Street Beatrice, NE 68310 (402) 223-3549 www.agedwards.com

Terry A. Doyle Thomas L. Shutts June M. Seitz Steve T. Hovendick Financial Consultants

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites — page 21

4005 North 6th Street P.O. Box 129 Beatrice, NE 68310 (402) 228-7000 ........................... fax (402) 228-7004 www.hiexpress.com/beatrice-ne

Super 8 Motel — page 7

3721 N. 6th Street Beatrice, NE 68310 (402) 228-8808 ........................... fax (402) 228-8878 www.super8.com • • • • • • • •

FREE high-speed Internet Spa Suites Inside pool and hot tub Computer and printer in lobby Elevator FREE juice and coffee 24 hours a day Hairdryers and coffee pots in rooms FREE Superstart Breakfast

HOUSING/APARTMENTS

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Baker Rentals — page 27

1600 South 9th Street Beatrice, NE 68310 (402) 228-1432 dandgbaker@inebraska.com Large, clean 2-bedroom apartments. Range and refrigerator furnished. Large living room, kitchen dining room combination. Lots of storage space. Water and sewer paid. Low-cost laundromats in the building. Off-street parking.

INDUSTRY Dempster Industries — page 27

711 South 6th Street Beatrice, NE 68310 (402) 223-4026 ........................... fax (402) 228-4389 www.dempsterinc.com

INSURANCE American Family Insurance Cheryl J. Wirth Agency — page 19

301 South 6th Street Suite 12 P.O. Box 372 Beatrice, NE 68310 (402) 228-1587 ........................... fax (402) 228-1614 cwirth@amfam.com Full-service insurance agency offering a complete line of products and services. All your insurance under one roof!

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Edward Jones — page 5 Robert J. Moran 109 Eastside Blvd. (402) 228-1072 (800) 511-5766

Paul D. Garnett 5th & Court (402) 228-3413 (800) 759-2440 www.edwardjones.com We are your local source for a variety of investments, including CDs, government, municipal and corporate bonds, mutual funds, common stocks, insurance products, fixed and variable annuities, retirement and estate planning.

LIVESTOCK SYSTEMS Midwest Livestock Systems, Inc. — page 28

3600 North 6th Street Beatrice, NE 68310 (800) 742-5748 ........................... fax (402) 223-5014 • Swine, Poultry, Dairy Equipment • Livestock Equipment Parts • Building Design • Construction • Remodeling Specialists • Technical Support • Service & Repair • Product Catalog • Plumbing and Electrical Supplies The difference is ... We do more!

MANUFACTURING

PHOTOGRAPHY Apple Studios — page 31 612 Court Street Beatrice, NE 68310 (402) 223-3456 dennis@applestudios.com www.applestudios.com

Full-service portrait studio, specializing in family and children’s photography since 1976. Top-notch service includes: Weddings, Seniors, Commercial, Industrial, Corporate, Business, Aerial, Glamour, Advertising, Passports, Pets, Copy & Restoration.

PHYSICIANS/SURGEONS Drs. Weldon & Crowder — page 15

1201 North 10th Beatrice, NE 68310 (402) 228-3545 ........................... fax (402) 228-3826

PLUMBING Lammel Plumbing, Inc. — page 18

321 Court Street Beatrice, NE 68310 (402) 223-4132 ........................... fax (402) 223-5146

PLUMBING, HEATING & COOLING Wrightsman Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, Inc. — page 15

713 Court Beatrice, NE 68310 (402) 228-3100 ........................... fax (402) 223-3270

Exmark Manufacturing Company, Inc. — page 2

We have been serving the Beatrice area since 1971. We are a full-service plumbing, heating and cooling contractor. We offer service, remodeling, residential and commercial services.

NEAPCO, LLC — page 15

Buss Real Estate - Mark Buss — page 15

2101 Ashland Avenue Beatrice, NE 68310 (402) 223-6256 ........................... fax (402) 223-6285 www.exmark.com 501 W. Sargent Street Beatrice, NE 68310 (402) 228-4288 www.neapco.com

NEAPCO, LLC is a world-class manufacturer of driveline components. Our products include import and domestic parts for automotive, heavy duty, industrial, ATV and agricultural applications.

MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES Beatrice State Developmental Center — page 3

3000 Lincoln Boulevard Beatrice, NE 68310 (402) 223-6600 ........................... fax (402) 223-7586

Mosaic — page 25

722 South 12th Street P.O. Box 607 Beatrice, NE 68310 (402) 223-4066

PHARMACY The Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy — page 29

601 Court Street Beatrice, NE 68310 (402) 223-2379 ........................... fax (402) 223-2370 1742@medicineshoppe.com www.1742.store.medicineshoppe.com From the Heart of Downtown Beatrice, The Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy offers fast, friendly, reliable service. We offer a wide variety of prescription and non-prescription products as well as medical supplies.

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REAL ESTATE 1722 Court St. P.O. Box 363 Beatrice, NE 68310 (402) 228-1703 ........................... fax (402) 228-4655 c21buss@aol.com www.bussrealestate.com People have been counting on us to help them buy and sell homes, land and businesses in southeast Nebraska for over 30 years. Call one of our full-time professionals today.

Goossen Construction, Inc. Flowing Springs Realty — page 21

2323 Scott Street Beatrice, NE 68310 (402) 228-3540 ........................... fax (402) 223-2245 www.flowingspringsrealty.com With its countryside setting amid the lakes and waterfalls, Flowing Springs is a planned unit development offering the finest in townhouse living. Call for your tour today!

Hartig Real Estate & Loan, LLC — page 29 1023 Court Beatrice, NE 68310 (402) 228-3041 connie.hartig@gmail.com www.hartigrealestate.com

Buying or selling a home is one of the most important financial decisions a family can make. Let the professionals at the Hartig Home Team help you make that decision.

Beatrice Area Chamber of Commerce G Celebrating 150 Years

Homestead Land Company, Inc. — page 23

112 South 19th Street Beatrice, NE 68310 (402) 228-2090 ........................... fax (402) 228-2140 homesteadland@alltel.net www.homesteadland.com Now in its 13th year, Homestead Land Company was established to provide competent Real Estate Services in a timely, professional manner. See us for Appraisals, Auctions, Sales & Farm Management. John Zarybnicky, Owner

RESTAURANTS East Court Dairy Queen — page 27 901 East Court Street Beatrice, NE 68310 (402) 228-3810 www.dairyqueen.com

Open year round. Order a custom-decorated DQ® frozen ice cream cake for your next celebration!

RETAIL Mr. Sweeper Store — page 21

322 Court Street Beatrice, NE 68310 (402) 228-4377 ........................... fax (402) 223-5770 greg@mrsweeperstore.com www.mrsweeperstore.com or www.CentralVacuum.com Congratulations Beatrice, Nebraska, on 150 years! We are proud to have been part of the last 25 years. With your support, Mr. Sweeper Store has progressed from a one-desk office to the best full-service dealer in southeast Nebraska. Greg, Joyce & Mike Morgan

TITLES Nebraska Title Company — page 29

629 East Court Street Beatrice, NE 68310 (402) 228-2233 ........................... fax (402) 228-4543 www.nebtitle.com

UTILITIES Aquila — page 25

510 N. Commerce Street Beatrice, NE 68310 (402) 223-3340 ........................... fax (402) 223-3397 www.aquila.com Aquila has a 24-hour call center for all your natural gas, service guard and appliance repair needs. Call us any time at 1-800-303-0752.

Norris Public Power District — page 13

606 Irving P.O. Box 399 Beatrice, NE 68310 (402) 223-4038 ........................... fax (402) 228-2895 www.norrisppd.com

WRECKER SERVICE Kleveland’s — page 27 300 South 6th Street Beatrice, NE 68310 (402) 228-9947

Your full-service station — We pump your gas, wash your windshield, and check your oil and tires. Over 51 years of serving our community. Garold & Clarice Kleveland

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Beatrice Area Chamber of Commerce G Celebrating 150 Years

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