BLAIR, NEBRASKA (2024 SEPTEMBER 1) – Tuesday night’s Blair City Council meeting opened with a ceremony honoring local first responders for their life-saving efforts. Blair Volunteer Fire Department members Joe Maguire, Tyrel Hernes, Anthony Borders, and Derek Paper received awards for performing CPR during a recent emergency at Foxridge Apartments. Blair Police Department officers Josh Hathaway and Bob Leehy, Washington County Sheriff Shane Thallas, and Washington County Dispatcher Cassie Hoferer were also recognized for their roles. The citizen whose life was saved attended the ceremony.
In other news, City Administrator Green announced the South Bypass opening for last Friday. A ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for February 5th at 9 a.m.
The council also addressed several other matters:
- Butch’s Rock’n Deli received approval for on and off-premises liquor sales.
- A presentation on strategies to increase housing development in Blair was reviewed.
- Plans for the Steyer Park Dog Park, featuring separate areas for small and large dogs, are moving forward.
- A water infrastructure project faces a setback, requiring an additional $97,000 for redesign work.
- The council approved rezoning for a 132-apartment complex between Highways 30 and 133.
- City facilities will switch to Heartland Natural Gas, while residential service remains with Black Hills Energy.
- A $263,000 grant was received for the Missouri River Barge and Rail Expansion Project.
A budget hearing is set for September 10th at 6:30 p.m.
