Elected leader of Beatrice notes 2021, as a positive year

BEATRICE – Despite Covid and other challenges this past year, Beatrice Mayor Stan Wirth says the positive side of him says things went extremely well for the city, in 2021.

"I think we've had some major accomplishments in the community. We've kind of cleaned up and dressed up the community just a little bit. Obviously, the major gratification that I see, is the fire station. Now that the station is inhabited by firefighters and EMTs, it kind of stands as a symbol in our community that public safety is a top priority...in our community."

Wirth says that facility will last a very long time. Voters approved a half-cent local sales tax to make the new headquarters a reality, which opens up the lower level of the Municipal Auditorium where department operations were located since 1965.

"The city will have a use for at least a portion of it. I know the food pantry was interested in it. Whether or not that's going to work out for them, time will tell."

As 2021 comes to an end several projects have been completed or have been progressing across the community. The city plans to complete further recreational improvements at Hannibal Park this coming year. A street reconstruction project is planned on parts of 4th and Lincoln Streets along with street resurfacing plans.

Officials are also planning for future improvements to the water system infrastructure of the city, using an interest-free loan from the State of Nebraska.