As we welcome 2025, we look back on 2024, Scribner had a landmark year filled with milestones that celebrate both our community’s growth and its steadfast traditions.
In business news, after 22 years of ownership by Leland Hoge, Hoge Hardware entered a new chapter in November, becoming Muel Hardware under the ownership of Clay and Michaela Mueller. Lee’s Market also changed hands after 55 years of the Burkink family ownership, purchased by local City Councilman Joe Wolfgram in November. Meanwhile, the Nook and Elkhorn River Coffee Company, which opened at the tail end of 2023, quickly began attracting visitors from across the area in 2024. Pebble Creek Vintage Thrift marked a monumental achievement, having donated more than $50,000 to local projects since its opening in 2022, with one of their larger donations of $25,000 going to Scribner’s new “Hollywood” sign on the bypass. Grow Fit 24/7 gym with classes, tanning and sauna opened its doors after a major renovation, revitalizing the former II B Fit gym. The Beautiful U salon rebranded as, Beautiful U Salon & Spa, adding massage chairs and a nail salon.
Infrastructure projects have made a noticeable impact this year. The highway around Scribner was completed, along with all roads leading into town being newly paved. The new “Hollywood sign”-style landmark now welcomes travelers from the highway, proudly displaying the Scribner name. Phase two of implementing landscape around the sign is slated for Spring of 2025. This sign was made possible by donors through the 2024 Big Give, Pebble Creek Vintage Thrift, LB840 and additional grants to promote tourism. The City of Scribner also planted 15 trees around the community, enhancing the town’s green spaces, continuing our Tree City USA title.
Scribner-Snyder Community Schools announced they were starting a daycare to address the critical childcare shortage in our rural community, slated to open January 2025. Longtime school board president, Laura Schnoor, stepped down after serving our community for many many years. Donald Beck, longtime school board member also stepped down. Police Chief Jake Brainard and Elkhorn River Coffee Company owner, Lisa Lawton, were voted in as new school board members in November of 2024, and will be taking their seats January 9, 2025. And last but not least, SSCS superintendent, Joe Peitzmeier, announced his retirement with the 2024-2025 schoolyear being his last.
Scribner voters approved the continuation of LB840 in May, for another 15 years, ensuring funding for future economic development projects. And the Beautification Committee celebrated four years of downtown enhancements, from decorative steel light pole signs and hanging flower baskets each summer, to benches that make our streets inviting.
This year also marked several exciting milestones in community events. The Battle of the Bulls had its best year yet, with over 700 attendees enjoying the thrilling bullriding event at the Dodge County Fairgrounds arena in May. The Small Town Christmas event featured its first bonfire and carol sing-alongs, drawing a record crowd. Scribner’s volunteer fire department hosted its largest fish fry ever and was able to add a new vehicle to help combat grass fires.
The Mohr Auditorium moved closer to its next phase of renovations, adding 40 new round tables to its inventory in March. The next phase of renovation to be started in February 2025 thanks to Scribner area residents who donated to the 2023 Big Give, raising more than $4,000 and a generous donation from Pebble Creek Vintage Thrift of $10,000.
Scribner’s Chamber of Commerce made history by mailing $15 “stimulus checks” to over 700 residents in the 68057 zip code, demonstrating a commitment to supporting local spending.
Housing developments continued to grow, with a few new homes built and many others renovated for resale, welcoming new families into our community. We also took time to mourn the loss of cherished residents who left quite a mark on our town and our hearts.
And who could forget the magical sight of the Northern Lights gracing our Scribner skies? A moment of awe for all of us.
From new beginnings to cherished traditions, Scribner thrived in 2024. As we look ahead, we carry the spirit of this incredible year with us, ready to embrace the opportunities and challenges of 2025. Here’s to Scribner—a town where progress and heart go hand in hand.