Wausa, Nebraska

Community News

Small Town, Big Impact: Wausa Foundation Awards Over $5,000 for Local Projects

The Wausa Community Foundation Fund (WCFF) recently awarded more than $5,000 in grants to support projects that strengthen education, communication and community resources in Wausa.

Three local initiatives received funding:

  • Wausa Public Schools received $1,712 for the Anderson Career & Technical Education Center to provide hands-on lessons exploring the uses of drone technology.
  • Wausa Community Club received $3,100 to support the Wausa Media Group, which helps fund community website development and local social media communication.
  • Lied Lincoln Township Library received $600 to purchase a paperfolding machine, improving efficiency for library materials and mailings.

The Wausa Community Foundation Fund, an affiliated fund of Nebraska Community Foundation, continues to invest in projects that support Wausa’s future while honoring its small-town heritage.

The foundation is also encouraging residents to consider supporting the community through its endowment fund. According to Nebraska Community Foundation’s Transfer of Wealth Study, nearly $747 million is expected to transfer between generations in Knox County over the next decade. Through the Five to Thrive campaign, residents are encouraged to consider leaving 5% of their estate to their hometown, helping ensure communities like Wausa continue to grow and thrive.

Community leaders say even small gifts can make a lasting impact by supporting local projects, improving quality of life and strengthening the future of Wausa.

Residents interested in contributing to the Wausa Community Foundation Fund can learn more at www.nebcommfound.org.
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JOB OPENING: Thabor Tots Childcare Center

Thabor Tots Childcare Center in Wausa, NE is hiring part time (potentially could turn to full time) employees. Must be energetic and reliable. Discounted childcare for your children while working for us. Paid holidays and no weekends. Call Leanna Munter, 402-759-2507, or 402-586-2195, or email thabortots@gmail.com.

Christmas in Wausa: A Festive Evening in the Heart of Downtown

It’s that wonderful time of year again for our beloved tradition, Christmas in Wausa! Bundle up your family and come together with the community for an evening filled with holiday spirit on Monday, December 8th, from 5:30 to 7:30 PM.

The festivities commence with the annual Christmas Tree Lighting at 5:30 PM, ushering in the season with dazzling lights and a sense of togetherness. Once the tree sparkles to life, make your way to the Lied Lincoln Township Library, where children can meet Santa Claus, create festive crafts, and revel in the enchantment of Christmas.

Be sure to explore downtown Wausa! Local shops will be open, eager to share in the holiday joy. Grab a Christmas Bingo card, visit participating stores, get your card stamped, and enter for a chance to win exciting prizes. This is a delightful way to support our local businesses while celebrating the season.

Christmas in Wausa embodies community, tradition, and the happiness of uniting neighbors. We look forward to celebrating with you—let’s make this holiday season merry and bright!

Small Business Saturday: Why It Matters in Wausa

Small Business Saturday began in 2010 as a nationwide movement to celebrate and support the small, locally owned businesses that keep communities strong. What started as a simple idea—encouraging people to shop local during the holiday season—has grown into a yearly tradition that fuels local economies, strengthens neighborhoods, and reminds us just how important our hometown businesses really are.

In Wausa, Small Business Saturday isn’t just a shopping day—it’s a chance to invest directly in the heartbeat of our community. Our grocery store, mini mart, bars, thrift shops, meat locker, and service-based businesses like HVAC, electricians, plumbers, and insurance agents are more than storefronts. They are neighbors, employers, volunteers, and the first people to step up when our school, teams, or community need support.

Ways to Support Small Business Saturday in Wausa

1. Shop Local First
Whether you’re picking up groceries, grabbing a quick drink, or hunting for treasures at local thrift shops, choose Wausa first. Every dollar spent locally keeps money circulating right here at home.

2. Don’t Forget Service Providers
Small Business Saturday isn’t only about retail. Booking an HVAC checkup, hiring a local electrician or plumber, or reviewing your insurance coverage with a hometown agent all support local business owners who work year-round to keep Wausa running.

3. Spread the Word
Share your favorite local finds on social media, leave positive reviews, or simply encourage neighbors to shop local. Word of mouth is incredibly powerful in a small town.

4. Stock Up for the Holidays
The grocery store, meat locker, bars, and mini mart all offer items perfect for holiday gatherings, gift baskets, and family meals. Even small purchases add up.

5. Explore Something New
Use Small Business Saturday as an excuse to visit a store or service you haven’t tried before—maybe a thrift shop you haven’t popped into for a while or a pizza at the local bar.

6. When You’re Not Sure What to Buy, Go Gift Cards
If you’re stuck on what to get someone, remember that most local businesses offer gift cards. They make great gifts, keep dollars in the community, and give your friends or family the fun of choosing something they’ll really use. It’s one of the easiest—and most impactful—ways to support Wausa businesses.

Small Business Saturday in 2025 falls on November 29, the Saturday after Thanksgiving. As we head into the holiday season, let’s come together to support the businesses that support Wausa all year long. Whether you’re shopping for gifts, stocking up for family gatherings, or simply grabbing your everyday essentials, choosing local makes a real difference. This November 29th, let’s show our appreciation and keep Wausa thriving—one small business at a time.

Revitalizing the Tree Line at Gladstone Park

Many may remember that just a few years ago, the tree line at Gladstone Park was not only beautiful but also provided essential shade. Sadly, a storm hit Wausa in July 2023, leading to the loss of many of those trees. Thanks to the generous contributions this year from Commercial State Bank, community members, and The Nebraska Forest Service, Gladstone will once again be graced with magnificent trees.

The first phase of the project began in April 2025, featuring the planting of larger 15-foot trees donated by community members and Commercial State Bank.

The second phase was made possible through the Nebraska Forest Service’s Trees for Nebraska Towns Program, which awarded Wausa a grant for ten 8-foot trees to be planted in the park. By the end of September, Village Maintenance staff Matt Bloomquist and Dennis Wamberg successfully planted the trees, focusing on the area surrounding the newly renovated horse arena.  Additionally, more evergreen trees were planted in October to serve as a windbreak on the north side of the RV park.

This year, the following varieties of trees were planted:

  • Honeylocust
  • 2 Sycamore
  • 2 Cottonwood
  • 2 American Linden
  • 2 Princeton Elm

Community forests play a crucial role in our environment, delivering a multitude of benefits. However, many in Nebraska are experiencing decline due to factors such as weather, pests, disease, and neglect. It is essential to replant and care for these forests to improve tree diversity and resilience. The Trees for Nebraska Towns Program aids this effort by offering free, high-quality trees for public projects. Communities are encouraged to apply for funding to support tree-planting initiatives. For more information visit https://nfs.unl.edu/community-initiatives/

A heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone who has contributed through donations, provided trees, and assisted in caring for them. Gladstone Park has successfully recovered from storm damage, and with these enhancements, it has never looked more vibrant!

Wausa Feature: The Market [ VIDEO ]

Here’s a heartfelt look at The Market — Wausa, Nebraska’s hometown grocery store that’s keeping small-town life alive, one cart at a time.

From local produce and familiar faces to aisles filled with community care, The Market is more than just a place to shop — it’s where Wausa gathers, connects, and supports one another.

Because when you shop local, you’re not just buying goods… you’re doing good.

Not just a grocery store, but a reminder that small-town roots still run deep in Nebraska.

Perfect for reminding us all to:

  • Shop Local
  • Support Neighbors
  • Strengthen Community
  • Keep Local Good Growing

Produced in partnership with The Wausa Media Board

Filmed & Edited by Fox Brush Films — Nebraska’s Wedding, Commercial & Community Storytellers (Photo + Video)

Filmed on location in Wausa, Nebraska

What Does Shop Local Mean?

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