Council approves $40,000 for Old West Balloon Fest in split vote

City expands search for new landfill site

Fusion Ranch secures increased job creation incentives

Council signals openness to higher job incentives for local businesses

Great Plains Distillery approved for Class I liquor license

New indoor recreation facility granted liquor license

Riverside Discovery Center secures $100,000 grant for vegetation overhaul

Zookeepers assist state with bighorn sheep conservation

New squirrel monkeys prep for public debut after cross-country trip

Council approves $40,000 for Old West Balloon Fest in split vote

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. — The city council approved a $40,000 community programming fund request for the Old West Balloon Fest in a 3-1 vote Tuesday, with one dissenting vote. Organizer Colleen Johnson cited a budget increase from $133,000 to $275,000 to host the U.S. National Hot Air Balloon Championships, which requires housing 50 national pilots for a week. Supporters noted the event is projected to draw more than 10,000 visitors and bring an estimated $1.7 million to $2.1 million in direct economic impact to the area.

City expands search for new landfill site

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. — City officials are widening their search for a new municipal landfill, directing an engineering firm to evaluate properties within a 5- to 10-mile radius of the city. As part of the transition, the city will also work with a contractor to decommission monitoring wells on a former property. Officials announced plans to meet with Scottsbluff County commissioners and potentially neighboring county boards to explain the site selection process.

Fusion Ranch secures increased job creation incentives

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. — The city council unanimously approved an amended economic development assistance agreement for Fusion Ranch, doubling the company's job creation credits to help pay off its LB840 loan faster. Under the new terms, which apply retroactively to Oct. 1, 2024, the jerky manufacturer will receive $4,000 annually per full-time employee over a 30-employee baseline. The amendment also formally recognized the transfer of the company's ownership.

Council signals openness to higher job incentives for local businesses

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. — Following the approval of increased job creation credits for Fusion Ranch, the city council indicated a willingness to offer similar incentives to other businesses under the LB840 economic development program. Raising the incentive to $4,000 per full-time employee encourages significant local investment and helps companies offset rising costs, setting a potential new standard for future economic development negotiations.

Great Plains Distillery approved for Class I liquor license

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. — Great Plains Distillery LLC received unanimous approval for a Class I liquor license, paving the way for the 10-year-old business at 213 W. Railway St. to expand its offerings and sell products from other local manufacturers. Owner Philip Mitchell said the new license will allow the business to sell beer and other regional brands in a newly fenced outdoor expansion of its previously small tasting room.

New indoor recreation facility granted liquor license

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. — The Dugout, a new indoor recreation facility at 17 E. 16th St., was granted a Class A liquor license by a unanimous council vote. Co-owner Jennifer Urdiales said the facility operates by appointment and will primarily use the license to serve canned beer and seltzers to adults during private events, such as birthday parties and Friday night happy hours. The business maintains a zero-tolerance policy for compliance failures and features comprehensive video surveillance.

Riverside Discovery Center secures $100,000 grant for vegetation overhaul

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. — Riverside Discovery Center has been awarded a $100,000 Greener Towns grant through the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum to fully fund the removal of old trees and the planting of new vegetation across the facility. The grant covers 100 percent of the project's costs, requiring no out-of-pocket expenses from local taxpayers. The landscaping project is expected to begin in the near future as part of ongoing facility upgrades.

Zookeepers assist state with bighorn sheep conservation

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. — Riverside Discovery Center staff partnered with Nebraska Game and Parks last week to aid in conservation efforts for the region's bighorn sheep population. Zookeepers assisted with helicopter rescues, administering vaccinations and drawing blood to monitor the herd of approximately 200 sheep. The proactive medical interventions aim to prevent pneumonia outbreaks, which can quickly decimate the fragile local population.

New squirrel monkeys prep for public debut after cross-country trip

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. — Two new squirrel monkeys recently arrived at Riverside Discovery Center following a 22-hour drive from Fresno, California. Zookeepers are currently acclimating the new arrivals with Riverside Discovery Center's resident squirrel monkey through a structured, phased integration process. Once the three primates are deemed fully compatible, they will be moved into a newly renovated public enclosure.

Found a mistake? Have a news tip or feedback to share? Contact our newsroom using the button below:

Contact Us