Well, the Public Hearing for the Appropriations Committee was interesting. Unfortunately, no one spoke on behalf of the Hotel or Historic Preservation. Materials did get in the Senators’ packets . . . so we will see.

Disappointing but we will move forward!!
Sue

We received a great e-mail from J.L. Schmidt the Executive Director of Heritage Nebraska. He and Senator Ken Schilz will be presenting how Historic Preservation helps the economy in Nebraska (which includes the Hotel) to the Committee in hopes of receiving funds from the Infrastructure Stimulus Plan (ARRA: American Recovery and Reinvestment Act). He also sent us a flyer that they worked on and put 1 in each Committee members’ packet!

We have noticed that someone in (or near) Kansas City keeps their eye on this site!!  Thanks, whoever you are, we appreciate your interest in the Wheat Growers Hotel!!  Drop us a line sometime!

Thanks again,

Sue

We received a nice post from Elda in Orham, Kansas:

“Was I surprised to read about your hotel in our Wheat Weaving News. I lived in Kimball for
35 years. When I first came there I stayed in your hotel in about 1948 till I found a place to live. I am happy to see it restored. It was a grand hotel in its day with a lot of history. Good luck to all of you. I have been a wheat weaver for about 15 years now.”
Elda Heidemann Orham, Ks.

We found this very interesting and exciting. The Wheat Growers Hotel website has had people from all over the world visiting!! The 22 countries (in no particular order) that have visited this website are:

United States, Canada, Mexico, Peru, Brazil, Argentina, Portugal, France, United Kingdom, Poland, Romania, Turkey, Russia, Finland, Pakistan, India, China, Indonesia, Australia, Philippines, Malaysia and Taiwan!!

People in 31 states have been to this website.

The most “hits” are from 3 states: California, Nebraska and Missouri.

Seconded by 6 other states: Wyoming, Colorado, Ohio, Illinois,Texas and New York.

22 other states that have checked into this website are: Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, South Dakota, Indiana, Michigan, Maryland, Kansas, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Connecticut, North Carolina, Virginia, Louisiana and New Jersey.

So, with this many people from around the world being interested in this Hotel, we KNOW that ’she’ will be brought back to her original grandeur!

Carpe Diem,
Sue

We are applying for a grant from the National Trust for Historic Preservation that will help pay for structural engineers!!  This is exciting news since we need this analysis done BEFORE we start the renovations, which includes putting on the new roof.  The Wheat Growers Hotel is moving right along at a much quicker pace now!

A Roof Fund has begun . . . and ALL donations are greatly appreciated!  We have a company, Fisher Roofing, that has graciously given us a quote of $30,000 (which includes the rain-gutters and downspouts plus putting on all new sheathing).  The low quote is because “this is our way of giving back to the community”!!  Please help us put a new roof on this beautiful Hotel! It’s easy to make a donation…just click on the “Make a Donation” button to the left of this screen.

Thanks,

Sue

So, the Nebraska Appropriations Committee will be having a Public Hearing on March 26 to hear about projects that are “shovel-ready” and in need of funds from the Infrastructure Stimulus Plan. WELL…Senator Ken Schilz has graciously agreed to present the Wheat Growers Hotel to the committee!! He asked us how much we need….and we told him 2-2 1/2 million dollars. We will keep you posted!!

Keep all your positive thoughts coming in this direction!
Sue

Still working on securing money from the Infrastructure Stimulus Plan.   Wrote the Governor and all the Senators on the Appropriations Committee the following:

The Wheat Growers Hotel is STILL the perfect project for Infrastructure Stimulus money.  Creating jobs for the renovation, and then creating long-term jobs for the hotel, restaurant, etc.   Also, once completed the Hotel would bring in tourism dollars. A true WIN-WIN-WIN and a Citizens helping Citizens project!

The distribution of Federal Funds of $52 million in General Purpose states:

The ARRA provides the Governor funding to relieve fiscal burden and distress. This funding is intended to support . . . renovation or repair.

The Wheat Growers Hotel definitely qualifies! Every penny would be used wisely and for the good of the economic health of Western Nebraska. Complete transparency all the way!

Keep your fingers crossed!
Sue