A Big Win for Clearwater
“I jumped up and down,” said Economic Development Director Lauren Sheridan, recalling the moment she learned Clearwater would receive the Governor’s Showcase Community Award. “I texted LuAnn, ‘Call me ASAP.’”
“She said, ‘We won,’ and I went, ‘WHAT?!’” added Economic Development Chairperson LuAnn Schindler. “I did a car dance while I was driving and screamed.”
Pure excitement filled the air in Clearwater, NE, as residents learned last month that the village had been selected for the Governor’s Showcase Community Award. During a visit to celebrate the honor, Governor Jim Pillen shared why Clearwater stood out.
“Who’d ever think a community of less than 400 people? And just look what’s happened. I remember being in this hall just four years ago, and holy cow, it’s just a little bit different. It’s absolutely incredible what everybody’s done to make this happen, along with countless other improvements up and down the street in Clearwater,” Governor Pillen told the crowd.
Honoring Veterans and Preserving History
In 2024, $450,000 was invested into the local American Legion and Sons of the Legion Hall on Main Street, giving the building a much-needed facelift for large events and celebrations.
Last year, Clearwater Veterans Park was dedicated to the 400 local veterans honored on large granite slabs. The total park cost was $275,000.
“That’s $750,000 raised in a matter of months,” said Schindler.
A telehealth room, open to all residents, was also added at the library, funded in part by a community grant from NNTC and the Foundation for Rural Service.
“The idea was to help older veterans who drive all the way to Norfolk for a telehealth visit with someone in Omaha. Maybe they don’t have a computer to do this at home,” said Clearwater Clerk Angie Hupp.
Preserving the Past
In 2021, community members established the Clearwater Historical Society to preserve local history. Their first project transformed a former 1928 service station on Nebraska Street into a museum featuring historical items and archives.
“We could not tear that building down. It still had life in it,” Schindler said.
Business Growth
“Clearwater’s Calling You Home” is the slogan introduced by the Economic Development Department to attract new businesses to town.
“The business growth is huge. We’ve had 14 new or transitioned businesses in eight years,” Schindler said.
From the community coming together to save the local grocery store to Two Bills Steakhouse opening as a premier destination in 2024, the momentum in town is palpable.
Village Improvements
A $4.85 million lagoon project was recently completed in Clearwater. The community has also formed its own investment group to build new homes, helping support future growth.
The Clearwater Rodeo
Since 1967, Clearwater has hosted the “Clearwater Rodeo” at the end of every June. The three-day event draws around 7,000 visitors each year.
“It takes a total town effort to pull it together, and I think it shows the character of the people who live here. We want to be the best we can be,” said Schindler.
“I don’t think people in Clearwater know how to say ‘can’t’. It is always ‘how can we?’” added Sheridan.
Looking Ahead
Looking to the future, Sheridan and Schindler hope to pursue downtown revitalization, including updated building facades, strategic retail development, and the addition of Edison style string lights above Main Street to create a cohesive and welcoming atmosphere.
Governor Pillen emphasized the importance of celebrating these accomplishments.
“Most of the time in Nebraska, we do not brag, so it is important that we come out and celebrate. It is an important time to recognize all the work that has been done here.”
