In the News
There’s a lot happening across Phelps County, with new businesses opening, companies growing, and the residents testing out creative ideas. Learn what’s happening below, from groundbreakings to annual festivals. Read our stories and see why Phelps County is a wonderful place to live and do business.
Contact us if you have a great story idea we should cover. We love showcasing entrepreneurs, highlighting multi-generational businesses, and discussing trends shaping Phelps County. We can’t wait to hear what you have in mind.
News Articles
This summer, 9-year-old Vivian Engelbert hit her first home run playing softball at Holdrege’s brand new sports complex. She and her sisters perform dance recitals and school concerts on the stage of the Tassel, an upscale performing arts center. She plays every sport imaginable at the local YMCA and enjoys...
From Holdrege Graduate to Local Entrepreneur
Jul 30 2026Growing up in Holdrege, Marcus VanEperen said he felt valued because of the sense of community and people’s kindness toward him.“Whether it was through school, community events, or simply knowing my neighbors, there was always a feeling that people cared and wanted to see one another succeed,” he said. “I...
A former Holdrege High School geometry teacher has traded lesson plans for fabric bolts with the opening of a new quilt and fabric store in downtown Holdrege.Dani Steinshouer is opening Sew With Dani Jo at 802 4th Avenue this summer. The location is strategically located within the Iron Horse Arts...
Buyers or sellers entering the real estate market in Phelps County can contact Kim and Jeremy Klein, who have been active in the area since 1997. The Kleins, owners of Real Estate Connection, enjoy helping people start their next chapters – especially first-time homebuyers.“I love helping people, particularly those who...
Glenwood is a full-service telecommunications provider that spans 17 Nebraska counties. Since 1957, its employees have operated on the core values of quality customer service and quick connections. The Glenwood team is also actively involved in Phelps County life and in the other communities it serves.“Large companies can deliver internet...
A music studio, creative wellness center, photography business and new art gallery are all adding energy to downtown Holdrege. Together, they represent the growing impact of the Iron Horse Arts District and its mission to spark economic growth through the arts.The Iron Horse Arts District opened its new Art Gallery...
Mahundis Launch TruHaven In-Home Care
Jun 26 2026Alex and Kadi Mahundi are excited to announce the launch of TruHaven In-Home Care, a locally owned and operated home care agency dedicated to helping seniors live safely, independently, and with dignity in the comfort of their own homes.“TruHaven was founded on the belief that every person deserves to be...
The Phelps County Development Corporation (PCDC) supports business development, entrepreneurial growth, and residents across the region. PCDC, a non-profit organization, is supported by investors, both individuals and businesses, who make financial contributions to ensure development operations and programs continue to be led at the local level, ensuring that money collected...
Andersons Choose Holdrege for Family & Future
Jun 17 2026For Joseph and Jaimee Anderson, returning to Holdrege wasn't part of the original plan. Like many young adults, they left their hometown to pursue education, careers, and new experiences. They returned for what was supposed to be a temporary stay when Jaimee’s dad was diagnosed with cancer. But during that...
Cables Cultivate Growth in Phelps County
Jun 17 2026From providing locally raised beef through Cross Diamond Meats to revitalizing the Bertrand Farmer's Market, Meredith Cable and her husband, Corey, have invested in ventures that strengthen connections and bring vitality to Phelps County.For Meredith, entrepreneurship was never part of the original plan.She grew up near St. Edward on a...
Seventeen students will receive a share of $35,000 in scholarships to pursue future careers in Phelps County. The High Demand Jobs Scholarships are part of the Phelps County Development Corporation’s efforts to create a quality local workforce. The students will return to Phelps County after graduation to work. This year,...
By Jeff Hofaker, PCDC Executive DirectorWe have discussed both community and economic development basics in the last few articles. Our discussion today will cover planning, specifically strategic planning. In a few, unique locations across the country, growth seems to occur almost naturally without any formal planning. These growth areas are...
After a long journey and a few extra innings, Holdrege’s dream of a first-class youth baseball and softball complex is finally a reality.“This is a symbol that the community is moving a very positive direction,” Holdrege Mayor Jim Liffrig said. “I understand the frustration people had as the project took...
A new food experience arrived in Holdrege in April. The Nuestra Familia Food Truck is drawing a steady stream of customers eager for a quick and authentic Mexican meal. It is parked at the Cobblestone Inn & Suites parking lot Wednesdays through Saturdays. For owners Jorge Almazan and Megan Almazan,...
Every few months, another headline declares an AI revolution. And by the numbers, they’re not wrong—more than eight in 10 human resources professionals are now using AI as part of their day-to-day work, according to the latest General Assembly’s State of Tech Talent report.But when you ask a follow-up question,...
Working in a rural vet clinic is its own animal!” Ben Schroeder exclaimed, taking a short break between helping a horse named Ginger and caring for an injured calf.As he spoke, a multi-parameter monitor beeped in the background where Ben’s wife, Erin, performed dental surgery on a dog wrapped in...
For many communities, the biggest barrier to airport development isn’t vision — it’s funding. City leaders worry about local match requirements. Airport managers feel overwhelmed by federal processes. Economic developers see opportunity but struggle to connect aviation investments to broader growth goals.The reality is, the funding is out there for...
GROW37 Partnership Campaign Starts Strong
Apr 29 2026PCDC’s GROW37 Partnership campaign is off to a promising start with several investors already making commitments in the first month. The campaign supports PCDC’s operations from 2027–2031 and is designed to ensure that more LB840 funding can be directed toward economic development projects rather than administrative costs.“We’re encouraged by the...
The Phelps County Development Corporation is expanding its efforts to connect local employers with the next generation of workers, stepping up its presence at career fairs and building new strategies to recruit talent to the area.Executive Director Jeff Hofaker said the renewed focus comes in response to a consistent message...
A company specializing in cattle feeder design, feed bunks, and fencing systems has moved its U.S. manufacturing facilities to Holdrege to expand its growing operation.Maverick Metal, owned by Tyson Christiansen, recently purchased a 24,000-square-foot facility at 2120 E. Fourth Ave. after outgrowing its previous rented space near Gibbon.“Realistically, we needed...
Bomgaars Opening This Spring in Holdrege
Mar 30 2026Bomgaars Supply will open a new store in Holdrege this spring, filling the vacant space last occupied by ShopKo.Heather Korbe, Bomgaars Marketing Director, said a soft opening is planned for April 15 at the store at 1533 Burlington Street. Bomgaars sells farm and ranch items, DeWalt tools, workwear, shoes, sporting...
Berney Selected as President’s Priceless Pick
Mar 30 2026PCDC Board President Jared Engelbert selected a local doctor who delivered his 1,000th baby this year as the President’s Priceless Pick award winner for 2026.Dr. Jeff Berney has served patients in Holdrege and the surrounding areas as a family practice physician at Family Medical Specialties for more than 25 years...
More than 60 PCDC investors and community partners gathered at the Holdrege Sun Theater and Event Venue on Monday, March 23, to celebrate a year of accomplishments and learn what’s ahead for 2026.PCDC Executive Director Jeff Hofaker gave an Economic Development 101 lesson. He emphasized that economic development is a...
Lane and Allie Schulz welcomed their daughter, Reese, in November 2025, and they are grateful to be raising her in the same community where they grew up. Although neither originally expected to return to Holdrege, Lane’s career pivot led him to a profession he loves in his hometown, and the...