Survey Results Discussed at Town Hall Meeting

Maintaining the school in Lyons was a top priority of those attending a town hall meeting at the Lyons auditorium.

The meeting was held to discuss the results of a recent survey issued to Lyons residents. Staff from the Northeast Economic Development District, Burt County Economic Development Corporation and Nebraska Public Power met with residents attending the meeting to discuss responses to the survey and future plans for the Lyons community.

There were 143 people in the community that responded. Alyssa Silhacek of NE Nebraska Economic Development District began the meeting. “Not everyone responded to each question. Among concerns for improving the community are the street conditions and safe drinking water,” Alyssa stated.

Other priorities were: attract new businesses and appearance of residential and commercial properties.

There is an extensive response to the community’s strength’s. “The library, police department, fire and rescue departments, variety of businesses, community pride, the school district, park, cemetery and manufacturing business are the strengths people listed,” Alyssa said.

Mary Plettner of the Nebraska Public Power District commented on the eating establishments. “I am impressed with the places Lyons has to offer to dine out. There is the Branding Iron, Hiway Café and KB’s Mini Mart,” Mary stated. She had eaten at one of them that evening and “enjoyed the meal very much,” Mary said.

Patty Plugge from Burt County Economic Development Corporation had high praise for Lyons. “You are a forward thinking community. People care and don’t wait for someone else to do things, they do it themselves,” Patty stated.

As far as the concerns in the community, those in attendance had several responses. “Historically, the water has been good,” Andy Fuston, Mayor of Lyons said.

Pam Thomsen commented on the entrance into the community from Highway 77. “It lacks appeal. Maybe more could be done to draw people in,” Pam stated.

Social media and the necessity of it to attract more people to Lyons was mentioned and ideas were proposed, such as a Facebook page for Lyons. Roger Andersen would like to see the campgrounds expanded. Patty Plugge addressed how other communities have cash mobs. “Maybe Lyons would consider doing that,” Patty said.

Other issues mentioned were the quality of rental properties, a place for teens to go to and the school topped the list. “Keeping the school here should be a concern,” Joey Brehmer of Brehmer Manufacturing and a 12-year school board member, stated. “The problem is we don’t have the kids.”

Kay Steinmeyer agreed. “We need to let the school know we want to keep the school system, elementary and hopefully high school. Although, that may not be a reality,” Kay said.

Such surveys have been held in other nearby communities. “Lyons had the best responses in comparison to others in the county,” Patty Plugge stated.

Patty Plugge from BCEDC, Alyssa Silhacek from NENEDC and Lyons City Clerk Mary Lou Ritter are preparing for the meeting. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.