By Dawes County Ag Committee
The Dawes County Ag Committee is launching a new award recognizing the value of being a good neighbor.
The first awards will be presented during this year’s Dawes County Fair, in conjunction with the Dawes County Ag Hall of Fame awards.
Ak-sar-ben has traditionally solicited nominations for a Good Neighbor award in each county but has ceased doing so in recent years, said Ag Committee member Don Huls. He suggested the Ag Committee create its own Good Neighbor award in its absence and the committee enthusiastically agreed.
“The greatest asset of Northwest Nebraska is its people. Our residents care about each other and step forward to help one another in a variety of ways,” said Kerri Rempp, chair of the Good Neighbor sub-committee. “With Ak-sar-ben abandoning its award to recognize the spirit that drives rural communities, the Ag Committee wants to ensure our neighbors and their good deeds are honored.”
Though the Ag Committee is establishing the award, nominees do not have to be involved in agriculture to be considered.
“We want to recognize all Good Neighbors, regardless of where they live and work,” Rempp said.
Nomination forms for the award can be picked up at the Chadron Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center, downloaded from the Chamber website at www.chadron.com or can be emailed upon request by calling 432- 4401. The forms are also available for download on the Dawes County Fair website at
www.dawescountyfair.com. Nominations are due JUNE 15 and can be turned in to Kerri Rempp at the Chadron Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center, 706 W. 3 rd St., Chadron, NE, 69337.