HALLAM, NEBRASKA (December 8, 2006)—Hallam residents continue efforts to rebuild their community that was virtually leveled by an F-4 tornado on May 22, 2004. At the top of their list is rebuilding the Hallam Volunteer Fire Department, as well as the Hallam Community Center, a volunteer-run meeting place, which had featured a full-service kitchen, and basketball/volleyball court with ample room for dinners and receptions.

The rebuilding efforts have been a true partnership among a number of local, state, and federal agencies.

The Federal and Nebraska Emergency Management Agencies came forward with Public Assistance Program Funds. . .provided that Hallam could raise necessary matching funds. Members of the Hallam Area Foundation consulted with the Southeast Nebraska Economic Development District and applied for funding through the Nebraska Department of Economic Development’s (DED) Community Development Assistance Act, which allows local governments and nonprofit organizations to offer Nebraska-based businesses and residents state tax credits for contributions made to approved state community and economic development projects.

DED awarded $25,000 in state tax credits to the Hallam Area Foundation, which in turn, used the tax credits to attract private investment. One investment partner, Saline State Bank, came through in a big way, presenting $50,000 to the Hallam Area Foundation to help cover the village’s financial commitment for “Hallam Recovery Projects”.

Upon completion, the Hallam Community Center will open its doors to area residents, and join 15 businesses and community service providers that have since rebuilt and reopened.

“The bank in Hallam has been involved in the community and surrounding area since 1898 so we are very excited about donating these funds to help with rebuilding our community,” said Tom Damkroger, CEO. ”We believe the future of Hallam to be very positive and Saline State Bank will remain active in helping revitalize the community.”

Efforts for rebuilding the Hallam Volunteer Fire Building on the community’s east edge are moving forward, with the Village Board and Fire Board working on plans and financial issues.

Significant funds are still needed for both projects despite many benevolent donors. The community will be gearing up for various fund-raisers in the near future to help defray some of the costs.

“The Hallam community has been heartened by and very grateful for the charitable support it has received by many donors. We have a long way to go and are encouraged by what we have accomplished so far, and we will continue working hard to make Hallam whole again. A special thank you from the Village Board and community members to Saline State Bank for their generous donation. It’s nice to have our local bank take such pride in our community”, said Derek Dragoo, village resident and village board chairperson.

For information about the Hallam Area Foundation, contact: Bruce Trautwein, chairman at 402-787-2138

For information about the Community Development Assistance Act, contact Dave Miller at 800-426-6505, 402-471-3775, 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.