A minute with the Mayor

This is an exciting time in Lyons.  Lots of good things have been happening.  2013 has proven thus far to be a year of “moving forward”.  Our “little engine that could” mentality is really paying off.  The city has had many accomplishments to celebrate and they are accomplishments we did as a community.  Lyons is committed to making life a better place to work, live and play.   It is because of this commitment that Lyons will continue to be a community on the

Lyons Mayor Andy Fuston

move.

We have improved the downtown aesthetics by removing two buildings on Main Street.  One of the buildings, a corner anchor, came down completely and the other retains its front façade to blend into the downtown landscape.  Both were safety issues and painted a picture of the community that wasn’t very flattering.  That isn’t the case any longer.  Now we have a great space on Main Street that is ready for someone’s dream to be built on.  The costs of these two projects were in excess of $250,000.  We were able to secure a deconstruction/recycling grant from the state to help cover the cost of much of the project.

The community is blessed with several wonderful partners who continue to invest and reinvest in their business and property to enhance the quality of life of Lyons.  Brehmer Manufacturing spent the last couple of years expanding its business with the help of a Community Development Block grant that was channeled through the city.  The Lyons-Decatur school system just laid a new track this past summer for a superior experience for its athletes.  And Three Rivers Housing in Tekamah and the city have partnered on a couple of projects that are in the works that will bring new housing opportunities to the community.  Communities, like Lyons, can’t move forward or make progress if they don’t have community partners that commit to making them a better place to live.  We are so fortunate to have partners like these and the countless others in town who not only believe in Lyons but also backs that belief up with action and deed.

Lyons has also been blessed with the generosity of others.  The city auditorium has been the benefactor of two such wonderful gifts.  The city received a $125,000 grant from the Nielsen Foundation to help jump start the city’s renovation of the city auditorium.  With this wonderful gift, the city of Lyons will be able to start upgrading the electrical and heating and cooling systems, add a fire sprinkler system and perform many cosmetic upgrades.  Lorraine and Floyd Glissman loved Lyons and with Lorraine’s recent passing, proved it financially by leaving the city approximately $130,000 to be used for the city auditorium project as well.  This donation will allow more of the phase two remodel to be completed more quickly.  The Glissmans are perfect examples of people who understood how important it was to give back to their community.  Their legacy will not only live on through their family and friends but through their community as well.  Projects likes these are hard to accomplish for small communities because we have such limited funding.  Having the Nielsen Foundation and folks like the Glissmans provide financial assistance is a big shot in the arm.  Plans have been completed and renovation is expected to begin by the end of the year.

Lastly, work on the new community pool has begun.  The city of Lyons passed a $2.1 million bond last November to replace its eighty year old pool.  This is an amazing testament to the people of Lyons.  2.1 million dollars is a lot of money for this small town but when we recognize an opportunity to improve our community, we go for it.  Thus, Lyons is in the process of building more than just a replacement pool; it is building an entertainment water park for all to enjoy.  If all goes well with the weather, the new Lyons Community Pool will be open for business by June of 2014.

The pool is just another example of Lyons being a community on the move.  There are countless other examples I could rattle off that shows Lyons believes in itself and is willing to reinvest in itself to secure a bright future.  (How many small communities can boast about having one of its own running for governor?!)  As busy as 2013 has been, I’m sure 2014 will be just as busy.  A community that stands still will not survive.  Lyons isn’t that type of community.  Come on over and enjoy the ride with us.  You won’t be disappointed!