(KTNC) - The Falls City Chamber of Commerce and Falls City Main Street organizations held their annual banquet Wednesday night at the Elk’s Club.
Eric Barr, the Executive Director of the organizations, recapped activities over the past year and looked ahead to some things on the horizon for 2013.
The past year saw completion of the first phase of the Main Street revitalization project. As they wrap up the first phase of construction, Barr says they’re looking ahead and working to secure funding for the next phase of construction. (play audio :25)
Barr recognized local winners of Nebraska Main Street awards. The City of Falls City was named an Outstanding Public Partner; Hoot ‘N Annie’s was named a Business of the Year; and the Falls City Main Street Organization itself won two awards – one for filing its reports on time and the other for gaining national accreditation.
Another project Barr is working on is a $25,000 JOBS grant, with funding from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Topeka. He says the funds will be used to help foster local entrepreneurs. (play audio :11)
Barr says work is also progressing on a National Historic District nomination for Falls City’s downtown district. (play audio :22)
New members of both the Chamber of Commerce and Main Street Boards were recognized during the program.
New Chamber of Commerce board members are Mary Whitehouse, Kenny Strathman, Lisa Schawang, Rachel Witt, and Kathy Hutfles.
New Main Street Board members are Linda Santo and Carol Bentley. John Martin, Jamie Ankrom, Lindsay Chichester, and Trudy Burenheide are returning board members who will serve additional three-year terms on the Main Street Board.
Main Street president Tony Brunette recognized Cassey Whalen and Diana Orton, who are leaving the Main Street Board. Brunette credited them for helping organize the Main Street Program in Falls City.
Brunette also recognized Karla Rhodd, who he said stepped in while Main Street was without a director last summer and basically ran the organization, and also wrote the JOBS grant application.
Lieutenant Governor Rick Sheehy was to have been the speaker at the banquet, but he was unable to attend due to the snow. Barr said there would be a program to recognize Falls City Main Street gaining national accreditation within the next few weeks.
© MSC News
MOST VIEWED STORIES
Cold case investigation leads to Holton warrant
Effingham owner regains truck following theft, arrest
Former Kickapoo Tribal chairman arrested
Walnut Township recall coming; Friday mtg erupts in arrest
Winchester native named as Amberwell CEO
Severe storms move through NE KS
Holton property search concludes with arrest
Rural Horton man charged in alleged beating
McLouth man injured in Monday wreck
KS prepares for severe weekend weather
Senator Slama on tax relief efforts
Former AG Schmidt running for KS' 2nd Congressional District
Commission approves agreement for budget help
Pawnee City School Board approves personnel changes
Council hears report from golf course
NVCH receives $415,000 grant for expansion project
Atchison company earns energy grant; upgrades planned
Richardson County Deputies busy during special enforcement
Richardson County Board approves pay raise for dispatchers
Hazard mitigation planning meeting set for Atchison County MO
LATEST STORIES
Walnut Township recall coming; Friday mtg erupts in arrest
Nemaha NRD honoring Stewardship Week
Richardson County Deputies busy during special enforcement
Peru State faculty member to be honored
Nebraska Primary Election reminders
Severe storms move through NE KS
NVCH receives $415,000 grant for expansion project
KS prepares for severe weekend weather
RELATED STORIES
2020 Falls City Hot Air Balloon Festival scheduled
Hot air balloon show a huge success
Hot Air Balloon Festival returns to Falls City
Grant Projects Underway in Falls City
New Christmas Lights in Falls City
2017 BRAN Starts in Falls City
Sauce & Cycles Underway in Falls City
Falls City Downtown Revitalization Meeting Planned