The Broken Bow Chamber of Commerce is not just for businesses and organizations in Broken Bow, in fact, the Chamber expands to a number of communities throughout Custer County and beyond. On Friday, June 11 the Chamber cut ribbons and presented a GROW Award during a full day of celebrations.
The bandstand at the Broken Bow City Square was the start of the events with a ribbon-cutting for the Nebraska State 4-H Camp in Halsey. The 4-H camp has been serving the youth of the area since 1959 and offers large meeting spaces, a full-service kitchen, large cabins, sport courts, archery, canoeing, a climbing course, and so much more. The grounds are also home to the beautiful Eppley Lodge which includes a grand ballroom, two conference rooms, and an outdoor education center.
The youth camps, which are already underway for the summer, are open to anyone who would like to attend. Katie Zabel, Camp Director, said youth do not have to be a part of 4-H to enjoy the fun of summer camps.
To find out more about the Nebraska State 4-H Summer Camps visit 4h.unl.edu/camp. For more information on the State 4-H Camp in Halsey visit 4h.unl.edu/camps-centers/state-camp.
Comeca Camp & Retreat Center was also featured at the bandstand as they also cut a ribbon to join the Chamber. Comeca, which is based in Cozad, is a non-profit organization with a mission to provide a place where all people can experience Christ. According to their website, camps are held beginning in June and continue into August and include specialty camps, elementary camps, and middle and high school camps.
To round out the year, Comeca will host their annual cookout which is also a fundraiser to help support their events throughout the year. This year will be the 71st Annual Comeca Cookout which will feature live music, food, activities, and more. More information on all Comeca events can be found on https://comeca.camp/.
In recent years mental health has moved into the spotlight especially during the pandemic. Breanna Kaup, who opened Nebraska Integral Wellness at 315 South 8th Ave., specializes in mental health for all ages. During the ribbon cutting on Friday to join the Chamber, Breanna said that she specializes in mental health for women, but also counsels couples, children, the elderly, and everyone in between.
According to the Nebraska Integral Wellness website, Breanna has been practicing therapy since 2011 and has specialized training and experience in the areas of perinatal mental health, women’s wellness, and anxiety/stress management. While an eastern Nebraska native, she said that she is excited to be in Broken Bow and looks forward to working with those in the area. Check out neintegralwellness.com for more information on Breanna and the services she can offer.
One of the highlights of the day was the ribbon cutting for two new homes on Hillcrest Drive that were recently completed as part of a $500,000 grant from the Nebraska Affordable Housing Trust Fund that was awarded to Custer Economic Development Corporation (CEDC). In October 2020, groundbreakings were held at the location of the two new homes, but on Friday the homes were officially welcomed with a ribbon-cutting.
During the ribbon-cutting, Senator Matt Williams said projects like these are exactly why the legislature has been continuing to create programs to help with the cost, but noted that none of it would be possible without the local community helping take on some of the burden.
“All of those don’t matter if the community is not willing to step up and shoulder the responsibilities,” said Sen. Williams.
One of the 1,200 sq. ft. homes has already been sold, but the other remains available. For more information on if you qualify to purchase the home or for general questions about the program, contact CEDC Executive Director Andrew Ambriz at 402-922-0774 or email [email protected].
Kinkaider Brewing Co. has been continuing to grow across Nebraska over the past several years, adding locations in Grand Island and Lincoln. Their growth has not stopped there. Most recently the canning operation of Kinkaider has expanded where nearly all of their beer can be found in a can instead of just bottles. KBC has also grown into spirits and hard ciders at the Lincoln location allowing an even greater tasting variety for customers.
The Kinkaider Guesthouse in Broken Bow is also a new addition to KBC creating a unique experience for guests. The ‘home away from home’ has two bedrooms, four beds, one bathroom (complete with a stocked beer fridge), a large living area, and can accommodate up to eight guests.
Because of their continued growth and contributions to the community, the Broken Bow Chamber presented KBC with a GROW Award on Friday to commemorate and congratulate the business. To reserve a spot at the Guesthouse in Broken Bow or to view their food and beer options, visit kinkaider.com.
The final ribbon cutting of the day took place at the business complex on the west side of Broken Bow. Maple Park Dental, who recently moved into their new location at 2021 S. E Street Suite 5, is the fourth office opened under the name with locations also in McCook, North Platte, and Sutherland.
Dr. Seth Ramsay, who joined Maple Park in June 2020, will become a very familiar face as he will be taking over the Broken Bow practice. Dr. Ramsay, who graduated from dental school in 2019, noted some of the services that will be offered at the location include same-day root canals and crowns, as well as being able to offer 3D x-rays to make sure the best technologies are being used.
Lieutenant Governor Mike Foley, who had been a part of the day festivities, congratulated the business on their growth into Broken Bow and supporting the rural area.
“In our smaller communities, access to high-quality medical services of all kinds is always an issue. So this is a tremendous asset to this community and I’m sure people are very appreciative of your move out here,” said Lt. Gov. Foley.
Service information, new patient forms, contact information, and more for Maple Park Dental can be found at mapleparkdental.com
