Community News

Below you will find three attachments from the Village of Wausa communicating important information about sewage, tree disposal, and garbage disposal procedures. Please be advised.

Wausa’s community of farmers held a local meeting regarding the proposed wind farm zoning and leasing Sunday afternoon, April 7, 2024. Steve and Jo Banks called the meeting aiming to provide clarity for property owners considering leasing their land for wind turbines.

Wayne farmer Doug Nelson was invited to speak at the gathering and share his wealth of knowledge from years of investigating the potential benefits, drawbacks, and hazards of the building of wind turbines. Through a series of diagrams, statistics, and resources, he endeavored to sift through the evidence and shed light on the realities of the situation.

Approximately 40 attendees gathered at the Wausa Auditorium at 2:00pm, where they commenced with the recitation of the pledge of allegiance, emphasizing the importance of exercising their freedom of speech.

The discussion was lively, with attendees grappling with various questions and concerns. Karen Larsen, a landowner from Viborg, SD, spoke passionately about the importance of understanding the facts before committing to a lease, drawing attention to the long-term implications for future generations. “Just known the facts, educate yourself. Know the facts. Once you’re signed up, you can’t get out.” 

As the meeting progressed, one attendee voiced his readiness to relocate should the permits be approved, underscoring the depth of sentiment surrounding the issue.

With the conversation nearing the one-hour mark, participation gradually waned, and the meeting concluded around 4:00 pm.

Jo Banks articulated her desire for transparency, expressing her disdain for the potential visual and audible impact of wind turbines on the county’s landscape. She emphasized the need for updated zoning regulations to mitigate the possibility of further development. Banks said, ”I just want people to know what they’re getting into.

She also expressed the importance that non-farmers be informed as this will impact the entire community. “I was glad to see some townspeople come because people need to know that you’re gonna see them from town.”

Various concerns, ranging from health implications to environmental impact, were raised, highlighting the community’s apprehensions about the project’s potential ramifications, known and unknown.

For those unable to attend, a recording of the meeting is available on YouTube under the title “North Fork Wind Farm Info Meeting Wausa April 7, 2024.”

Nelson, along with Steve and Jo Banks, encouraged people to attend the next zoning meeting at the courthouse in Center, Tuesday, April 9,  2024 at 7:30pm, underscoring the importance of community engagement in shaping the outcome of the proposed wind farm project.

The Wausa Development Corporation (WDC), established on March 22, 1968 by visionary leaders Dr. Richard L. Tollefson, Gerald E. Gunderson, Norm Creutz, and Don C. Pfeil, has been a driving force in fostering economic growth and prosperity in the Village of Wausa.

Functioning as a non-profit 501C organization, the WDC comprises individuals deeply invested in the welfare of their community. Throughout its history, the corporation has spearheaded numerous initiatives aimed at attracting businesses and fostering development within Wausa. The current president of the organization, Jordan Johnson, points to the call center as one of its biggest success stories.

More recently, The WDC was awarded Rural Workforce House Grants (RWHG) through the state of NE economic development. Johnson explains, “We received $135,000 of funds from Commercial State Bank, Wausa Community Foundation, and the WDC, and that money was matched 2:1 through this grant of $215,000 for a total of $350,000 to use for building houses and remodeling dilapidated houses.”

These obtained funds will be used to further the progress of the development lots now known as the South Addition. Johnson explains how the idea for the new development lots was conceived.

“The development of existing lots in Wausa, now known as the South Addition to the Original Town of Wausa, came about after lengthy discussion among business owners and contractors on building new homes in Wausa. Concerns were that building on existing lots or raising certain existing homes for a lot for new home construction could many times mean having a new home next to a home of far less value creating a potential valuation problem. The group felt it was in the best interest of the community to have a new development area to build all new construction, resulting in the development of the South Addition to Wausa.”

The lots were developed in 2014 after the land was purchased from CountrySide Villa. Essential infrastructure such as sewer and water was then provided by the Village of Wausa for easy utility hook up for new home owners. These lots offer an attractive opportunity for prospective homeowners seeking a convenient and well-equipped location for their new residences.

Since its inception, the South Addition has seen significant uptake. With 12 lots fully developed and primed for construction, two properties have already been completed, and an additional three single-family homes commenced construction in 2023. Among these, two are private builds, while one is a speculative house funded by the WDC through the RWHG program. With only six lots remaining, the South Addition continues to draw interest from individuals eager to be part of Wausa’s vibrant community.

The WDC hopes to start on construction for another spec house once the first is sold and to continue that pattern until funds are exhausted.

Prospective buyers considering the South Addition can expect competitive pricing for the lots, which are offered below market rates compared to neighboring communities. Moreover, the provision of paved streets, curb and gutter infrastructure, and readily available utilities minimizes initial construction costs, making it an attractive proposition for those looking to build their dream homes.

It is necessary to note that regulations in the form of covenants govern the development, ensuring the preservation of neighborhood aesthetics and standards.

Buy a lot, build a house, and shop local. Wausa depends on you! For those interested in more information regarding the speculative house or empty lots, please contact Jordan Johnson at 402.586.2266.

Giving Tuesday is a global generosity movement that takes place every year on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. It was created in 2012 to encourage people to give back to their communities and support the causes they care about. Over the years, it has become a powerful force for good, helping to raise millions of dollars for nonprofit organizations and inspiring countless acts of kindness and generosity.

The impact of Giving Tuesday can be felt by individuals, organizations, and communities alike. For individuals, it provides an opportunity to give back and make a positive difference in the world. For nonprofit organizations, it can be a game-changer, providing a much-needed boost in funding and visibility. And for communities, it can help to bring people together and foster a sense of solidarity and goodwill.

Wausa decided to join the generosity in 2022 and held its second Giving Tuesday initiative last November (2023). This local effort, organized by representatives of several community organizations, raised over $1000 in just two single days for Wausa local Liz Eskey (Story) who is suffering through some serious health issues.

“I am very grateful to be nominated,” shared Liz, expressing gratitude for the community’s support.

In addition, a generous $100 donation was made to the local non-profit, Payne’s Pacas Inc., started this year to honor the memory of Heidi and Chris Haberer’s late son.

Haley Rasmussen, the president of Payne’s Pacas Inc., had this to say in response to the nomination: “We can’t thank you enough for supporting our cause. It’s incredible how people have responded and we are grateful.”

The Wausa Giving Tuesday initiative is a shining example of what can be accomplished when a community comes together to support those in need. It was a testament to the generosity and kindness of the people of Wausa, and a reminder of the importance of giving back and supporting one another.

On behalf of the Liz and her family, Payne’s Pacas Inc., and the entire community of Wausa, we would like to express our heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to the Wausa Giving Tuesday initiative. Your generosity and kindness have made a real difference in the lives of those in need, and we are grateful for your support.

But our gratitude extends beyond this one initiative. We are thankful for all those who continue to make Wausa a thriving community, a place where people come together to support one another and make a positive difference in the world. Thank you for your kindness, your generosity, and your commitment to making our community a better place for all.

To read more about Liz’s story, Payne’s Pacas Inc., and other Wausa initiatives, check out the Giving Tuesday article here.

If you would like to be considered as a candidate for Wausa’s Giving Tuesday in 2024, please contact wausanebraska@gmail.com.