Phelps County is a Great Place to Be A Kid – and Raise One

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 free movies all summer long at the local theater. She takes 4-H art classes and fishes with her dad at a lake close to her home.

Vivi’s experiences are shared with thousands of children across Phelps County. From dance studios and youth athletics to 4-H, FFA, music, church programs, the library and parks, local families don’t have to choose between opportunity and small-town living. They can have both in Phelps County.

Vivi’s parents, Jared and McKenzie Engelbert, moved to Holdrege a decade ago. Although McKenzie grew up in a big city, she has come to love small-town life in Phelps County.

“After Jared and I got married, moved to Holdrege and started our family, Holdrege won me over with how welcoming everyone was,” she said. 

There are so many ways to get involved in local activities, and I loved that there was so much pride in the Phelps County community that I didn't see growing up in a big city.”

She also appreciates the safety of Phelps County and that she can send her kids to play outside or ride their bikes safely around the block.

“The connections that we have made through our church, school and activities have been wonderful because our kids have a lot of trusted adults in their lives who share the same morals and values as we do.” 

Amenities

The Engelberts have four children ages 2-9. Some of their favorite amenities in Holdrege are:

• Holdrege North Park, where the kids love to fish and play at the park
• The Makers Market, hosted by Lost Way Brewery during the summer (next ones are Aug. 1 and Sept. 12)
• The Holdrege Public Library, especially Sam the Dragon 
• The 308 Bakery has been a staple for delicious treats
• The Don Sjogren Community YMCA has been a home base for so many activities in their kids’ lives

Vivi said she loves sports, and in Holdrege she has played volleyball, basketball, softball, soccer and is involved in the run club through the Don Sjogren Community YMCA. 

She also enjoys volleyball camps taught by local volleyball enthusiasts and HHS Duster Volleyball coach Erin Heath.

Even at her young age, Vivi notices how her coaches and her teachers at All Saints Catholic School care about kids.

“I like how the people here help show what you can do to get better,” she said. “They show they care about the community.”

Vivi and her siblings have also enjoyed traveling to Bertrand to swim at the new Bertrand Aquatic Center, and they are inspired by Holdrege’s art scene, including the bronze sculptures. Her sister, Ceci, particularly likes the Ben Franklin sculpture at the Phelps County Courthouse.

Kimberly and Jason Hines are raising their four daughters (ages 2-12) in Holdrege. Their daughters have enjoyed the YMCA, two beautiful parks, a free splash pad and the Holdrege swimming pool.

They also enjoy the variety of activities available to meet each girl’s interests. Her daughters have participated in recreational sports at the YMCA and more competitive leagues through Titans programs and Horizon Gymnastics.

“Holdrege offers a variety of activities for kids of all ages,” Kimberly said. “The YMCA does an amazing job of ensuring every age group has something to enjoy, and Horizon Gymnastics has brought so much joy to my girls. There are countless activities throughout the community that bring families together as well, including the Midsummer Festival.”

Ben and Rebecca Loberg are raising their three children ages 10-14 in Holdrege. Their children participate in baseball, softball, football, volleyball, basketball, track, gymnastics, 4-H archery and also enjoy fishing at the North Park, and attending Wednesday night youth group at church.

“Holdrege has been a nice, quiet, small town to raise our children,” Ben said. “It provides a lot of activities and a variety of things for them to do and participate in.” 

Some of the Loberg family’s favorites are:

• Multiple sports activities through school, YMCA and South Platte Youth Athletic Conference
• Fishing and walking around the lake at North Park
• Holdrege City Swimming Pool
• Disc golf at Veterans Memorial Park
• Archery range at Sacramento WMA

Activities Without the Traffic

Cammie Kroll and her husband, Tyler, are raising their three children ages 8-3 in Holdrege and also enjoy the big-city opportunities available in Phelps County.

“I think what has surprised me most is just how many opportunities are available in a community of this size,” Cammie said. “When people think of raising kids in a small town, they may assume there are fewer options, but that has not been our experience. Our kids have been able to participate in everything from traditional sports and dance to 4-H, piano lessons, esports, youth run clubs, library programs, and a variety of church activities. There are opportunities for kids with many different interests and personalities. I have also been pleasantly surprised by how many people and organizations are willing to create and support opportunities for young people.”

And those activities are all close to home.

“We appreciate the convenience of being able to get our kids to school and activities without spending a significant portion of our day in the car,” Cammie said. “That gives us more time for family while still allowing our kids to explore many different interests.”

Kroll said one of the biggest advantages to raising kids in Phelps County is the sense of connection.

“In Holdrege, our kids have the opportunity to be known by their teachers, coaches, activity leaders, and other community members,” she said. “They have opportunities to participate, take on leadership roles, and be involved in their community at a young age.”

Health Care

Cammie also said another major advantage of Phelps County is the access to quality healthcare in the community. Holdrege is home to the Phelps Memorial Health Center, which is a 25-bed critical access hospital; two medical clinics, three dental offices (six dentists), several chiropractors, two physical therapy centers, and an eye-care clinic.

“We have delivered all three of our children in Holdrege and have been able to receive excellent general medical care locally,” Cammie said. “Between the hospital, pharmacies, dental offices, physical therapy, and other healthcare services, families can take care of most of their medical needs without having to leave the community.”

As a parent, Cammie said having that level of access close to home is incredibly valuable. 

“You get the convenience of not having to travel to a larger city for routine medical needs, while still receiving excellent care from people who are part of your community,” she said. 

Schools

Phelps County offers families a variety of educational options. Students can attend small public schools in Loomis and Bertrand (average of 20 students per grade) or Holdrege Public Schools, which features a new elementary school, middle school, and high school. A variety of extracurricular activities are offered at Phelps County high schools, including volleyball, football, tennis, cross country, golf, basketball, wrestling (girls and boys), cheer, dance, track, soccer and baseball, speech, e-sports, band, show choir, choir, musicals, and school plays.

Families seeking K-6 faith-based education also have two excellent choices in Holdrege: All Saints Catholic School and Legacy Christian School.

McKenzie’s kids attend All Saints Catholic School.

“We absolutely love it there,” she said. “It is really special that we are able to send our kids to school where we also go to church. I think it is great to have so many options for schooling in Holdrege to tailor to each family's wants and needs for their children. We love that everyone has been able to work together to do what is best for the kids in our community.”

Ben’s kids have attended Legacy Christian School and now Holdrege Middle School.

“We are so blessed by all the schooling options that Holdrege has available,” he said. “There is Legacy Christian School, All-Saints Catholic School, and Holdrege Public School options, so school choice should not be a limiting factor with people moving to town.” 

Cammie said she has been happy with the public school system in Holdrege. 

“One of the things that stands out to us is the genuine care the faculty and staff show for students,” she said. “We feel that they truly care about each individual child and work to meet them where they are.”

Kimberly’s girls also attend Holdrege Public Schools. 

“The three older girls excel in their classes and genuinely enjoy going to school here,” Kimberly said. “They feel safe and heard, and the teachers and staff are always easy to communicate with.” 

Kimberly said the schools work to challenge students and help them grow, while also working alongside them when they need additional support. 

Churches

Faith is also an important part of life for many Phelps County families. With more than 25 churches representing a range of denominations, families can find a congregation that aligns with their beliefs while building meaningful relationships in the community.

“What I appreciate most is the variety of opportunities available,” Cammie said. “Our kids can explore athletic, creative, educational, social, and faith-based activities. They have opportunities to build confidence, learn new skills, develop friendships, and discover what they enjoy. Holdrege has a wide variety of church denominations, giving families many options to find a church community that is the right fit for them.”

Together, these faith communities provide opportunities for worship, service, youth groups and fellowship, helping children and families grow both spiritually and socially.

Community Connection, Generosity & Coming Home

While excellent schools, abundant activities and safe neighborhoods make Phelps County an attractive place to raise a family, parents say the community connection is what really makes the difference.

“Everyone that I have interacted with here has found a way to be connected and involved in a way to make the area better. I love seeing that, and after being here for 10 years, it shows how so many students ‘come home’ after graduation and the huge boom of young families moving to our area. Holdrege is a place where people are proud to claim as their home. I know I am.” 

Kimberly agrees that community support is such a valuable characteristic in Phelps County. 

“Holdrege is full of opportunities for your kids, allowing them to explore different activities and discover what they enjoy, from sports to drama, quiz bowl, and even e-sports,” she said. “We may be small, but we are a strong, supportive community for families.”

Ben said that Holdrege is an amazing and special place to raise a family. 

“No town is perfect,” he said. “But I feel Holdrege has the right balance between smaller selections and having plenty of opportunities and options. Area leaders have (and I think will continue to keep) the progressive approach to recruit and retain young families.”

He said one example of that is building the new baseball/softball complex. 

“The community and its non-profits have a lot of financial support,” he said. “This is evident in the annual Phelps County Community Foundation's Give2Grow day, where over $1 million is donated annually to support the local nonprofit causes.”

Cammie said that in Holdrege, kids are given the opportunity to be known, supported, and involved. 

“This is a community where people care about kids,” she said. “Our children have opportunities to grow up surrounded by teachers, coaches, church leaders, volunteers, and community members who invest in them. That sense of community is something we truly value, and it is a big part of why we enjoy raising our family here.”

Make the Move to Phelps County

For more information and resources about moving to Phelps County, visit PCDC’s Relocation Assistance website page.

If you are interested in moving to Phelps County, we are happy to help. PCDC offers down payment assistance grants up to $7,500 through area employers support for new residents.