KEARNEY, NEB.(November 3, 2006)--More than 300 community volunteers and leaders attended the 43rd Annual Nebraska Community Improvement Program (NCIP) awards banquet in Kearney this evening.

Communities were praised for good work in promoting and encouraging economic and community development. The event capped the 2006 NCIP Annual Conference where community volunteers learned how to further develop community projects in their respective towns and cities.

"Collaboration within our communities enhances our state's cultural and economic vitality, and the Nebraska Community Improvement Program demonstrates that strength, showing Nebraskans' determination and dedication to local development," said Governor Dave Heineman.

NCIP awards are given for overall community and economic development excellence and outstanding projects. In 2006, more than 200 completed projects and programs were submitted for award recognition, and volunteers contributed more than 450,000 hours of in-kind services toward these projects. Volunteer service, when multiplied by an average $9 per hour wage, totals more than $4 million of investment in Nebraska.

NCIP is a partnership between the Nebraska Department of Economic Development, University of Nebraska, and NCIP sponsors--Northern Natural Gas, Glenwood Telephone, Great Plains Communications, Inc., Kinder Morgan, Inc., Northwestern Energy, and Aquila. These sponsors help support the program year-round, and provided plaques and cash prizes for the following 2006 NCIP award winners announced by the Governor tonight:

The Citizen Corps Council of the Year Award went to Scotts Bluff County. This new award was created to honor an outstanding citizen corps council that helps make its community safer, stronger, and better prepared to respond to all disasters. During the past year, Scotts Bluff County increased its level of preparedness through training and neighborhood watch programs, and plans to start additional chaplaincy corps. The award is a collaborative effort involving the Nebraska Volunteer Service Commission.

The Otto Hoiberg Award went to Bassett, which also received the award in 2004. Judges were impressed with Bassett's innovative and creative projects that demonstrated an ongoing, long-term vision. Community assets included an effective organizational structure and strong volunteer support and resources. The award was named for Dr. Otto G. Hoiberg who dedicated himself to community and economic development during his tenure at the University of Nebraska. One NCIP community, regardless of population size, receives the Hoiberg Award for best overall community development process.

The Founders Award, which recognzies an outstanding intergovernmental project in Nebraska, went to Dawson County. Dawson County was honored for its Advocating Business Labor Education (ABLE) project that involves the county, area businesses, and school districts in curbing out-migration of its youth population. The award honors David Osterhout and David Carson who founded the Nebraska Community Improvement Program in 1963.

The Marilyn Ristine Leadership Award went to Jim Leifeld from Petersburg. Described as a hard worker and innovator, Liefeld was commended for his dedication and proactive approach. The award was named in memory of Marilyn Ristine (1928-1992), an outstanding community leader in Gothenburg. It was created in 1993 to recognize a long-time community volunteer who exhibited exemplary leadership qualities.

The Good Neighbor Award was presented to the City of Seward, as nominated by Seward County. The city and county have teamed on a number of projects this past year, including the 2006 Cattlemen's Ball, and courthouse renovation project.

The Youth Leadership for Outstanding Community Service Award was created to recognize outstanding youth who develop and lead projects and peers for the betterment of their communities. Following are this year's youth leader awardees in their respective NCIP population categories:

Class I (Pop. 550 or Less)--Becky Thorberg, Petersburg. Becky has served in numerous clubs and organizations, including 4-H and Girl Scouts. She is described as a natural leader, enthusiastic, and extremely dependable.

Class II (Pop. 551-1,000)--Christina Kaup, Stuart. Christina has been a leader in community organizations for some time. She actively volunteers and helps write and compile yearly NCIP projects for her community.

Class III (Pop. 1,001-4,000)--Andrea Skrdla, Atkinson. Andrea is an active community member who participates in church, school, and many volunteer activities. She is dedicated to her community and willing to lead others.

Class IV (Pop. 4,001-10,000)--Hannah Steele, Alliance. Hannah is commended for her active interest and involvement in her community and school throughout her high school years. She also is a member of several exemplary boards and organizations.

Class V (Pop. 10,000 or more)--Mary Jacobson, North Platte. Mary is described as dynamic and inquisitive. She is commended for her countless hours volunteered for her community, and active involvement in community groups and organizations at her high school.

Class VI (Multi-Communities)--Nathan Lee, Seward County. Nathan is an active leader in his high school and community, who played an integral role in the Seward Fourth of July celebration and is involved in many high school activities and organizations.

Community Development Awards, given for overall excellence in community and economic development, were presented as follows:

Class I: (Pop. 1-550)--Coleridge (541). Outstanding projects completed by Coleridge this year included the reopening of a community grocery store, and raising more than $40,000 to send the high school marching band to Washington D.C. to perform in a Memorial Day parade. Volunteers and active community members were commended for their efforts. Second place went to Farnam. Third place was awarded to Bancroft.

Class II: (Pop. 551-1,000)--Bassett (743). The Bassett Economic Development Committee is committed to making sure the community is "staying alive". In less than one year, four new businesses opened in the downtown area and 16 people relocated here. Volunteers also helped revive the Rock County fair and parade. Second place was awarded to Blue Hill and third place went to Culbertson.

Class III (Pop. 1,001-4,000)--Ravenna (1,341). A long-time NCIP participant, Ravenna understands the importance of community planning and volunteer recognition. A community survey netted an astounding 71% return rate. The community's many projects included improvements to city parks, new community signs, and assembling backpacks with supplies for Hurricane Katrina victims. Ainsworth received second place, and third place was a tie between Hartington and Neligh.

Class IV: (Pop. 4,001-10,000)--Alliance (8,959). Judges were impressed with the city's local development efforts and aid lent to other communities. Alliance approached Hemingford about working together to help Hurricane Katrina victims. The city also became home to a new power line-training program, and continues to support the Native American Youth Council. Second place went to Cozad. Third place was awarded to Wahoo.

Class V: (Pop. 10,000 and over)--South Sioux City (11,925). The city continues to transform its image through involvement in several development projects, creation of new crime prevention and safety programs, and implementation of business retention strategies. South Sioux City was commended for its leadership and community development efforts. Second place was awarded to North Platte and third place went to Columbus.

Class VI: (Multi-Community)--Pawnee County. Pawnee County is touted as a model for actively promoting what an area has to offer. Projects included promotional brochures that highlight the area's "hot spots", and advertise a new walking trail. Educational workshops on the Civil War, and the lives and skills of pioneers in the area also were developed. Seward County received second place and third place went to Loup Basin RC&D Region.

This year's 2006 NCIP Special Award Recipients are:

Volunteer and Leadership Development
Class I: Davenport-Davenport Achievement Day
Class II: Blue Hill-Blue Hill Community Club
Class III: Neligh-Neligh Citizen Coalition
Class IV: Nebraska City-Leadership Nebraska City
Class V: South Sioux City-Leadership Dakota County
Class VI: Loup Basin REgion-Nebraska's Junk Jaunt

Youth Involvement and Leadership Development
Class I: Coleridge-Soup With Santa and Special Folk
Class III: Ravenna-We've Got Your Back
Class IV: Alliance-Native American Youth Council
Class V: Lexington-Lexington Skate Park Challenge

Business Assistance and Development
Class I: Coleridge-Grocery Store Exchanges Hands. Builds New!
Class II: Blue Hill-Fashion Wear Extravaganza & Silent Auction
Class III: Kimball-Kimball High Point Business Quest
Class IV: Wayne-Wayne Area Economic Development, Inc.
Class V: North Platte-Hidden Treasures Home Business Expo
Class VI: Seward County-Creating an Economic Development Office

Tourism Promotion and Development
Class I: Eustis-BRAN
Class II: Bassett-Rock County Fair and Parade
Class III: Ainsworth-National Day of Cowboy
Class IV: Alliance-Sallows Military Museum
Class VI: Pawnee County-Brochures for Pawnee County and Pawnee City

Public Works, Facilities, Services, and Planning
Class I: Diller-Diller Community Building Renovation
Class II: Stuart-Volunteer Fire Department Training
Class III: Ainsworth-Brown County Hospital Special Bond Election
Class V: Lexington-Lexington Public Library

Environmental Projects and Awareness
Class I: Pilger-Scrap Tire Collection
Class IV: Alliance-KAB Intercoastal Cleanup Garage Sale
Class VI: Loup Basin Region-Cedar River Stabilization Erosion Site Completion

Parks, Recreation and Forestry
Class I: Springview-Restroom Renovation and Camper Pads
Class II: Culbertson-Twin Rivers Walking Trail
Class III: Burwell-Trotting on a New Track
Class IV: Wahoo-New Aquatic Center
Class V: Columbus-Columbus Water Park-Pawnee Plunge
Class VI: Pawnee County-Prairie Hills Connector Trail

Arts and Humanities
Class I: Coleridge--Tootin' Our Horns Down Constitution Avenue
Class II: Bassett--Bassett Arts Council's 30th Anniversary
Class III: Gothenburg-Light Up the Sun
Honorable Mention: Neligh-Jammin' in the Park
Class IV: Nebraska City-River Country Nature Center
Honorable Mention: Wayne-WSO Show

Community Services
Class I: Farnam-Revitalize the Library
Class II: Franklin-CHIP (Child Identification Program)
Class III: Kimball-The Movin' On Gang: A Community Health Support and Education Group
Class V: Scottsbluff-Recycle Your Cycles
Class VI: Dawson County-Dawson County Housing Solutions

For more information, or to obtain a complete script from the awards ceremony, contact: Lindsay Papenhausen toll-free at 800-426-6505, or email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Individuals who are hearing and/or speech impaired and have a TDD, may contact the department through the Statewide Relay System by calling one of the following numbers:
711, (800) 833- 7352 (TDD), or (800) 833-0920 (voice).
The relay operator should be asked to call DED at (800) 426-6505, or (402) 471-3111.