An elaborate playground system and new paved hiking/biking trail, both shown at left, were put in place this year at the Wauneta Park. They are a few of the many improvements noted in the community in 2004.

    By Tina Kitt
    The Wauneta Breeze
    
     Wauneta saw major strides in community improvement projects and business progress in 2004, with park and pool improvements leading the way.
     A 2,000-foot-long paved hiking/biking trail was put in place last spring at the Wauneta Park, and a walking club formed over the summer. Along the route, workout stations are being built to help promote physical fitness in the community.
     The path was made possible with the help of grant funds made available through the Southwest Nebraska Health Department as well as local donations.
     In July the Wauneta Swimming Pool took on a new feel, when a new heating system was installed.
     Later in the year, the Wauneta Women of Today were successful in raising money to construct an elaborate new playground structure at the park near the swimming pool. The equipment was put in place by the end of the summer, with a contingent of volunteers lending a hand.
     In the business community, a number of high points were noted.
     HomeTown Agency completed renovation work on the old hardware store and relocated their offices to the building on the corner of Tecumseh and Wichita.
     During Harvest Fest, both the HomeTown Agency and BWTelcom, which opened their new office building in late 2003, held grand opening celebrations.
     BWTelcom undertook a major project to upgrade communications fiber ductwork throughout town.
     This fall, Rod Keiser returned to Wauneta from Denver to base his new computer and Internet technology company, Champa Group LLC, located in the south office suite of the HomeTown Agency building.
     The Wauneta Senior Center completed work on their expansion project, opening up a new section to the south. The expanded area is used for exercise equipment, bingo and card games and includes an office area, kitchenette and rest rooms.
     South of town, Trish and Chad Dorn and Gene and Dotty Bartels expanded their hunting guide business, Kripple Duck Adventures, to include a new hunting lodge on the Bartels farm.
     Construction work was completed by Brent Krueger, of Imperial on his storage unit structure, BK Mini-Storage LLC, on the east side of town.
     Harry and Nola Straub completed work on their new home just south of Wauneta.
     Construction on a new horse training arena was initiated at the Kenny and Barb Smith ranch west of town.
     At the school building in Wauneta, new bleachers were purchased for the gym and installed, and the concrete steps leading to the gym were replaced.