The Great Bend City Council Monday night received some good economic development news when it learned that the Grand Island, Neb.,-based HeartlandAg wanted to open a new site just outside the city limits. The company has purchased in the neighborhood of 33 acres just north of the city limits on the west side of U.S. 281 to build a new commercial fertilizer equipment sales, parts and supply facility.
However, they needed water. The Council gladly approved a water line extension, the cost of which will be borne by the agribusiness.
This addition and its development will bring with it new life to the north end of town. Presumably, it will include state-of-the-art buildings and attractive landscaping, and become a focal point for the area.
The northern entrance to our fair city has seen attempts at beautification, as have entrances from other directions. Home Lumber’s remodeling and American Ag Credit, which is building a regional headquarters, have or will make the west edge of our community more attractive.
However, much work remains to be done. Now, it is time for everyone else to step up and do their part.
There are many efforts underway to make Great Bend a tourist destination. But, sadly, as visitors make their way into town, they encounter properties that are run-down and/or not maintained.
It is said you never get a second chance to make a good first impression. These local gateways provide that first impression to those coming to our community.
What do we want them to think of us?
Dale Hogg