Looking Back: Eight Reasons Phelps County Shines in 2024

As 2024 draws to a close, the Phelps County Development Corporation reflects on a year of progress, innovation, and community spirit. Our community has achieved incredible milestones that position Phelps County for growth in 2025 and beyond. Here are the top highlights we’re most grateful for this year:

1. A Bright Future in Sustainable Energy

In August, DG Fuels announced plans to build a $5 billion sustainable aviation fuel plant in Phelps County. This groundbreaking project places our community at the forefront of renewable energy innovation and brings significant economic benefits including jobs, increased ag income, and infrastructure development.

Link to more info: https://www.phelpscountyne.com/in-the-news/p/item/60356/dg-fuels-set-to-transform-phelps-county-economy

2. New Housing Opportunities

The creation of the Northern Meadows subdivision marked a new chapter for housing in Phelps County. With streets paved and construction started on five new homes, we’re excited to welcome new families to our growing community. Once finished, the new subdivision will include 30 single-family homes. This project was spurred by matching funds from PCDC.

Link to more info: https://www.phelpscountyne.com/in-the-news/p/item/59057/new-subdivision-breaks-ground-on-five-initial-homes

A new five-unit apartment complex opened in Bertrand. This project was spurred by a forgivable loan from PCDC.

Link to more info: https://www.phelpscountyne.com/in-the-news/p/item/57714/governor-pillen-attends-ribbon-cutting-for-housing-made-possible-with-help-by-pcdc 

3. Boosting Local Workforce with High-Demand Scholarships

PCDC awarded High Demand Jobs Scholarships to 14 students this year. These young individuals will bring their talents and training back to Phelps County, strengthening our workforce and reinforcing our commitment to education and opportunity. At least two high-demand jobs scholarship former recipients completed their educations and returned to ag careers in Phelps County in 2024.

4. A Thriving Downtown and Creative Arts District

Downtown Holdrege achieved recognition as a certified creative arts district in early 2024. Through pop-up art galleries, a new mural, and the vibrant Iron Horse Arts Festival, our downtown area has transformed into a cultural hub.

Link to more info: https://www.phelpscountyne.com/in-the-news/p/item/55975/downtown-holdrege-certified-as-a-creative-district

Additionally, the completion of the Midtown Sculpture Garden, celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony in November, adds a touch of beauty and creativity to our community. MomenTum Dance Academy also recently relocated to a former empty space downtown. PCDC partnered and/or awarded grants to each of these projects.

5. Culinary and Coffee Innovations

This year brought exciting changes to our local dining scene. The beloved Dairy Queen relocated to a modern space on Burlington, while Fourth Avenue Coffee underwent a complete renovation, reopening as Coal & Feed Coffee and Vittle, a trendy gathering spot for locals and visitors alike. Jimmy John’s also opened its doors, offering new options for quick, fresh meals. Ra Ca’s Food Truck has a new dine-in option in the lower level of the Dale Residences.

Link to more info on Coal & Feed Coffee and Vittle: https://www.phelpscountyne.com/in-the-news/p/item/59895/mother-&-daughter-renovate-holdrege-coffee-shop-with-vintagemodern-flair 

6. Investments in Agriculture and Industry

Construction began this summer on the new Ag Service Associates headquarters at 14th and Burlington. This investment showcases Phelps County’s continued role as a leader in agricultural innovation and service.

Link to more info: https://www.phelpscountyne.com/in-the-news/p/item/57913/ag-service-associates-groundbreaking-set-for-june-25 

7. Sports and Recreation for Youth

After six years of development, Holdrege’s new youth baseball and softball complex was completed, giving young athletes a state-of-the-art facility to hone their skills and foster teamwork. Teams will begin to play at the new facility in 2025.

8. Honoring Successful Businesses

Phelps County is home to many dedicated, passionate and successful business owners.  This year, PCDC recognized two of those businesses – Cross Diamond Cattle of Bertrand and South Central Diesel of Holdrege – by inducting them into the PCDC Business Hall of Fame.

Link to more info: https://www.phelpscountyne.com/in-the-news/p/item/60442/two-phelps-county-businesses-inducted-into-pcdc-business-hall-of-fame 

Looking Ahead

As we reflect on these achievements, we are reminded that none of this would have been possible without the collaboration, hard work, and dedication of our community members, businesses, and leaders. Together, we have built a brighter future for Phelps County, and we look forward to continuing this momentum in 2025.

From all of us at PCDC, thank you for making 2024 a year to remember. Here’s to continued growth and gratitude in the years to come!