WYMORE, Neb. - A southern Gage County town is celebrating the first steps in better early childhood care and education. 

The City of Wymore, located just 15 miles south of Beatrice, along with Blue Valley Community Action broke ground on the town's new Head Start Preschool on Tuesday evening. Blue Valley CEO Shari Weber said it was an exciting day for the future of the southeast Nebraska town. 

"We're breaking ground for a new Wymore Head Start Center," Weber said. "We worked for about five years to get the funding through the Department of Health and Human Services... We will be building a facility that has two classrooms and a large meeting conference room that will also act a shelter for children and staff if needed."

Kids, parents, board members, and members of Blue Valley all took part in a ceremonial shoveling of the first dirt to celebrate the beginning of the process. Weber said Blue Valley first applied for grant money in 2020, but weren't funded.  After strengthening the application, they were awarded a grant in 2024. 

Weber says a Head Start center will be beneficial to the Wymore community. 

"We provide preschool services to low income families, not only that, but we provide support for the parents and help them connect to rescources and sustain their financial stability and get back on their feet," Weber said. "Just to help them be self-sufficient over time."

Work has begun and Weber says the goal is to have the center ready by September, weather permitting.