Commissioners approve Visitor Committee projects

( ABOVE: 2022 News Channel Nebraska file photo of Lodgepole Old Settlers Day)

SIDNEY -- The Cheyenne County Commissioners Monday approved four projects from Cheyenne County Tourism and one KENO funding request to support Lodgepole's 100th Old Settlers Day.

Representatives of the Old Settlers Day committee met with the commissioners seeking KENO funding to help the 100th Old Settlers Day celebration. Old Settlers 100th celebration is planned for August 30 through September 2.

The committee was awarded $5,732 by the Visitors Committee recently for marketing. The KENO funds would be used for activities including the free-will dinner. 

Commissioner Randy Miller said he supports the project, but is concerned with the KENO fund balance.

"I have no problem with some. The only thing I'm worried about is if we continue to go down this road we're going to run out of our funds that are available," Miller said.

The commissioners reduced the grant from the $2,500 request to $2,000, approving it 3-0.

The commissioners also met with Cheyenne County Tourism Director Kendra Mitchell and Visitor Committee chairperson Brooke DeNovellis regarding four funding requests.

The Potter Lions Club requested a $6,000 Event Incentive Grant for the PNCC off-road race. 

"The Potter Lions Club is the parent organization for most of the events in Potter, including the Potter Car Bowl, PNCC, and Potter Days," Mitchell said.

The commissioners also approved a $2,000 Event Incentive Grant for the Potter Lions Club for Potter Days.

The High Plains Arts Council was awarded a $5,000 Promotion Grant for their 2024-2025 season, Oktoberfest was awarded $8,000 for a Promotion Grant. Last year the Oktoberfest committee was granted $8,000 but only turned in $7,8023.78 for reimbursement. The Cruise 'N Class Car Show was also awarded a grant. The $1,700 Promotions grant is for the event scheduled for the same weekend as Oktoberfest.