BEATRICE - The City of Beatrice has a new agreement with the local economic development organization, that will provide city funding for three years, starting July 1st.


The agreement approved by Beatrice elected officials with Gage Area Growth Enterprise, or NGage….reimburses the organization for up to $150,000 annually in city funds. Gage County has had a similar agreement with NGage, but a renewal has not yet gone before the county’s board of supervisors.


In other action, the Beatrice City Council set May 20th as the date for a public hearing, for annexation of the Evergreen Home Cemetery property. Annexation must clear three separate votes of approval by the council to be finalized. The addition to the city would solve a problem where 33rd Street is half the responsibility of the city…..one-half the responsibility of Gage County.  The cemetery, a nonprofit organization, is a tax-exempt entity.


City approval has been given for this year’s Homestead Days Parade, in June. Elected officials authorized closure of U.S. Highway 136 during the annual parade, which will be Saturday, June 22nd.


The parade travels on the highway from 19th Street to 3rd Street. Officials also authorized use of Charles Park by the Beatrice Area Chamber of Commerce for events, for use of the Big Blue Water Park and Chautauqua Park….for events during the Homestead Days celebration June 19th through the 23rd.


Two other events received city council approval. One is Main Street Beatrice using Charles Park and the Carnegie Building for their Taste of Spring event, Saturday June 1st….2 p.m. until 8 p.m. A back-up site in case of bad weather will be the Municipal Auditorium.  The Beatrice Humane Society received permission to sell items at the Big Blue Dog Park, Sunday…June 23rd from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m., during a fundraiser for their low cost spay and neuter clinic.