BROKEN BOW – The annual picnic and award ceremony hosted by Custer Economic Development Corporation was held on Sunday.
Those honored include:
Wheelhorse Award: Tammy Hendrickson
Youth Wheelhorse Award: Brent Forster
Business Innovator: Mead Lumber
Lifetime Champion in Ag: Ronnie Woodward
WHEELHORSE AWARD – Tammy Hendrickson
In addition to being the Custer County Museum curator and all the responsibilities that brings, Hendrickson serves as the Broken Bow coordinator for Nebraska’s Junk Jaunt, serves on the Broken Bow Township Cemetery Board, is a state treasurer for the Nebraska Museums Association, is heavily involved in the Nebraska State Genealogical Society, and is president of the local Daughters of the American Revolution chapter. She and her husband own a U-Haul Rental business and she and her siblings manage their family farm.
YOUTH WHEELHORSE AWARD – Brent Forster
Brent Forster is a freshman at Broken Bow High School has his sights set on achieving scouting’s highest honor: Eagle Scout. With that comes heavy community involvement and commitment including helping the VFW with flag duties and serving at the annual pancake feed, volunteering at the library’s summer reading program, assisting with maintenance and restoration projects at Victoria Springs State Recreation Area, and volunteering as youth counselor at NRA camp this summer in New Mexico. Most recently, Forster has focused his efforts to refurbishing the signs surrounding Broken Bow’s Melham park. Forster also has two jobs, is a part of the sports film crew at BBSN, and is a member of both FFA and FBLA.
BUSINESS INNOVATOR – Mead Lumber
Mead Lumber has been in Broken Bow since 1954 when Dierks Lumber & Coal was purchased. The current location became home with the purchase of Cash and Carry Lumber. Their local location recently completed an in-depth remodel, and their employee owners always offer great and detailed support to both large-scale contractors and do-it-yourselfers. Their investment into Broken Bow and Custer County made them a perfect candidate for the business innovator award.
LIFETIME CHAMPION IN AG – Ronnie Woodward
Ronnie Woodward graduated from Callaway High School in 1946, and knew at a young age he wanted to be an auctioneer. His career, which began with a 2 week class that took him away from the family farm, was put on hold when he was drafted into the Korean War.
In 1971, he won the World Livestock Auctioneer Championship. He and his wife of 66 years, Molly, have lived in Broken Bow since 1961. Near the time they moved to town, they purchased the Broken Bow sale barn with two other partners and operated it for a total of 31 years. Ronnie was always giving of his time auctioneering at 4-H events during the fair, he served on the hospital board for 30 years and was involved in the fundraising efforts for the initial building of Melham Medical Center, and attended one of the first meetings for the One Box Convention and served as auctioneer for the calcutta for over 41 years. Molly said, “Ronnie loves Custer County, and I couldn’t get him to leave if I tried.”
As is customary at the annual picnic, CEDC Director Scotti Ross gave a 2024 year in review report. Highlights included the completion of the NAHTF workforce housing project, housing development work including subdivision utilities and infrastructure, and cycling RWHF for new construction or housing rehab.
Taking a glance toward the future, Ross said consistent communication has been happening regarding new and expanding businesses in Custer county.
