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O'NEILL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS ANNOUNCED

Bergan Carr (right) accepts scholarship from Merri Schneider

Nick Podany (right) accepts scholarship from Merri Schneider

5/5/08
The O'Neill Chamber of Commerce awarded their annual scholarships to graduating seniors from O'Neill High School and St. Mary's High School at the monthly meeting on Monday.
Bergan Carr, daughter of Brad Carr, a graduate of O'Neill High School and Nicholas Podany, son of Jim and Brenda Podany, a graduate of St. Mary's High School each received $200 scholarships.

ED PRICE WINS THE "GATOR"

Winner of the Gator, Ed Price of O'Neill presented by Eric Semin of Elkhorn Valley Implement

4/30/08
It was an exciting day Wednesday in O'Neill as the drawing for a brand new John Deere Gator was held at 10:00 am on KBRX Radio. 400 tickets were sold for the drawing at $50 each, making it a $20,000 fund raiser for the O'Neill Coummunity Center campaign.
The John Deere Gator was donated by Elkhorn Valley Implement of O'Neill and was valued at $10,000.
O'Neill Police Chief Larry Wanamaker, O'Neill Community Center board member Jim Wakefield were on hand to witness the drawing. Eric Semin drew out the name, Ed Price of O'Neill who was the lucky winner of the big prize.
The O'Neill Community Center committee would like to thank Elkhorn Valley Implement and also everyone that purchased a ticket.
The O'Neill Community Center fund drive continues and if you would like to donate or would like more information please contact Rich McIntosh at McIntosh Jewelry in downtown O'Neill or Pat Fritz at the O'Neill Chamber of Commerce oneill@morcomm.net

(left to right) Chief of Police Larry Wanamaker, Jim Wakefield
and Eric Semin.

Missy Colfack of "Missy's Pampered Pets" cuts the ribbon at her new dog grooming business on Thursday, December 6.

TAYLOR MADE PRINTING HOLDS RIBBON CUTTING FOR NEW LOCATION

Kelly Ptacek of Taylor Made Printing cuts ribbon at Grand Reopening at their new location on South 4th Street.

WE WELCOME "GRAFTED TREE ENGRAVING" AS A NEW MEMBER

Toni Nolze cuts the ribbon Friday, November 2 at their new location in downtown O'Neill

ANYTIME FITNESS HOLDS RIBBON CUTTING

Roger Aaron along with Captain Running Man cut the ribbon at the Anytime Fitness grand opening Tuesday morning.

TWO RIBBON CUTTINGS HELD FRIDAY

9/21/07
The O'Neill Chamber of Commerce held two ribbon cuttings on Friday in west O'Neill. Rocket Signs and Wendell Auto Body held ribbon cuttings together at their location in the former Pinkerman TV buildings on the west edge of O'Neill.

Chad Swanson cuts the ribbon for Rocket Signs.

Doug Wendell cuts the ribbon for Wendell Auto Body

PAMIDA HOLDS GRAND OPENING AND MAKES CONTRIBUTION TO O'NEILL COMMUNITY CENTER FUND

Pamida makes a $2000 donation to the O'Neill Community Center fund.
(Left to Right) Rich McIntosh-O'Neill Community Center Board, Steve Obershaw with O'Neill Pamida Store,Larry Johnson-Pamida President and CEO, Rich Cline-Vice President Operations for Pamida, Stacy Homan-Pamida Pharmacy and John Nootz-O'Neill Community Center Board.

O'Neill Pamida Team Leader Steve Obershaw cuts the ribbon at O'Neill Pamida's grand opening.

8/27/07
Pamida in east O'Neill held its grand opening celebration Saturday attracting a huge crowd all day long. The day started off at 8:30 am with the O'Neill Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting and also a presentation by Pamida to the O'Neill Community Center committee of a check for $2000 to help in their fund raising efforts. Pamida President and CEO Larry Johnson and Rich Cline, Vice President of Operations for Pamida along with Pamida team members presented the check to O'Neill Community Center board members Rich McIntosh and John Nootz.

Prize winners from the grand opening were:
Husker Helmet Kits: Theresa Nielsen, Amy Mohnig, Marvin Sholes, Gloria Ruegge, John Harvey and Lavona Ruterbories.
Ghost Suit: Kathy Pfaff
Coffee & End Tables: Jenny Gilg
DVD Package: Sheri Schwager
Picnic Set: Shelly Kohler
TV: Evie Barta
First $100 Gift Certificate: Debra Waterman

The O'Neill Pamida is a 30,000 square foot facility with a pharmacy offering drive-up and mail out service, as well as free delivery. The expanded store space allows Pamida to feature a much larger selection of merchandise, including top-quality name brands such as Reebok, Cannon, American Eagle, Sony, Russell, Kodak, Champion, and KitchenAid. The new Pamida offers a baby destination shop, electronics, home entertainment, apparel, housewares, seasonal, limited grocery items, and more. The store is open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Pharmacy hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The pharmacy is closed on Sundays.

O'NEILL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AMBASSADOR GOLF TOURNAMENT HELD

O'Neill Country Club hosts Katie Fletcher and Kylie Torpin hold the BankFirst Championship trophy.
(back row, left to right) R.J. Gall, John Hurley, Shane Baack and Jack Hurley of the BankFirst team.
(front row) Katie Fletcher and Kylie Torpin of O'Neill Country Club.

7/24/07
KBRX News - Twenty-five teams participated in the third annual O'Neill Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors Golf Tournament held Monday, July 23, 2007 at O'Neill Country Club. With temperatures in the upper 90's that didn't effect the winning team from BankFirst who came in with a smooth 29 in the four-person scramble tournament.
This tournament is the major fund raiser of the year for the O'Neill Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors who are going to be using funds from this and future tournaments to eventually have Welcome To O'Neill signs on all four entrances into O'Neill.
Tournament chair persons Carol Sibbel and Steve Flaherty thanked all who golfed and all the businesses that helped to sponsor the fun event.

From Champion to dishwasher!! Jesse Moore of the MorComm Radio Shack team couldn't pull it off this year.

Matt Sandoz from Huskerland Communications cuts the ribbon in honor of their new remodeling on July 20, 2007.

O'NEILL LANDS LEGION JUNIOR AREA TOURNAMENT

2/20/07
Let's play ball!! The American Legion Department of Nebraska Athletic Committee met on January 12 in Lincoln to set State Legion Baseball Tournament Sites for the 2007 season and O'Neill has made the list. Fred Appleby Field will play host to the 2007 Class B Area Five Junior Legion Baseball Tournament. The tournament is scheduled for July 12 - 24, 2007.
Teams included in the Area Five field include; Ainsworth, Albion, Aurora, Battle Creek, Broken Bow, Central City, Pierce, Valentine and O'Neill. The ten day, double elimination tournament should mean a substantial economic boost for O'Neill.

PAMIDA INCREASES INVESTMENT IN O'NEILL

1/29/07
KBRX News - As PAMIDA continues to expand its operations to better meet the needs of customers throughout the Midwest, the company announced Thursday the expansion of the Pamida Store in O'Neill, Nebraska. Pamida will be recycling an existing vacant building (the former Gibson building) located near the current pharmacy location in east O'Neill. The relocation will increase Pamida's retail space from a 6,000 square foot store to a 30,000 square foot store, offering a full assortment of merchandise in addition to a pharmacy with a drive-through window. The store is scheduled to be completed by early fall of this year.
"We are thrilled to be expanding in O'Neill and increasing our presence in the community," says Jim Larson, vice president of property development for Pamida. "O'Neill has been a great community for Pamida, and we are excited to be able to reinvest in this city. The existing building is a perfect fit for us, and by recycling this real estate, we are able to really make a difference in the community right away. We look forward to completing the renovation and moving into our new home."
Pamida has operated a Pharmacy store near the new location since October 2004. Pharmacist Stacy Homan, who has been running that store, will move with her team into the new store when it is completed. The existing pharmacy will continue to operate in its current location until that time.

RIBBON CUTTING HELD FOR "DAYS OF WINE & ROSES"

Quinn Kelly cuts the ribbon at Days Of Wine & Roses as Chamber members look on.

November 18, 2005--Quinn Kelly and Janene Peterson held a Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting for the addition of "Days of Wine & Roses" to Ashley's Attic in downtown O'Neill. They can provide unique floral arrangements for any occasion.

HOLT COUNTY COURTHOUSE RIBBON CUTTING

A big crowd was on hand Friday for the ribbon cutting of the Holt County Courthouse new addition. Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, Don Hahlbeck was the Master of Ceremonies and the told the crowd about the addition to the courthouse and also the installation of the elevator. Former senator Cap Dierks, who is running for the legislature again, told of some of his experiences he had in the previous building and some of the events he attended.
Chamber of Commerce President Scott Poese then handed the scissors to Don Hahlbeck who cut the ribbon completing the ceremony. Tours of the Courthouse were given to those in attendance.

RIBBON CUTTING HELD AT O'NEILL PHARMACY

O'Neill Chamber of Commerce Members welcome O'Neill Family Pharmacy with ribbon cutting September 9, 2005.

O'Neill Area Chamber Of Commerce Announces Customer Service Award Winner

Scott Poese-KBRX, Phyllis Stille-KBRX & Ron Anderson-Blarney Stone

Phyllis Stille was awarded this months outstanding service award from the O'Neill area Chamber of Commerce. "Phyllis is always there to step out and help people with many things beyond the duties of a radio station." stated an anonymous nominator. "When I was not able to get the college world series on our local radio, Phyllis made sure I received updates by calling her husband who was watching at home. Phyllis then called me every inning or so to update me on the game. Where but in O'Neill do people take this kind of interest in customer service. Thanks Phyllis and KBRX."

Ryan Parks was also nominated twice. Once for helping a gentleman at Christmas time who stated, "It's Dec. 18th and my wife has been begging for a digital camera for six months and it is going to happen or I am couch bound forever. So I gather up some cash and I cruise into Radio Shack not knowing enough about digital cameras to fill a shoe box. Ryan says, "Can I help you?" I tell him my wife wants a digital camera, I have XXX dollars in cash, and I know nothing. He visits with me a few minutes learning about my wife, her tastes, and then produces a complete digital camera bundle. We are talking software, hardware, even rechargeable batteries. Kudos to my digital and electric gizmo guy, Ryan Parks. My wife loves the camera, and I am officially a hero come Christmas morning and all is well with the world."

Ryan was also nominated by L.G.of Plainview who said, "Ryan was very courteous and informative when I went in to the store to buy a cell phone and some stereo equipment. I really appreciated him and felt important as a customer. Please make sure he gets recognized!!!"

Peg Skopec at Gokies Fast Mart was nominated by Deloras Clark who said, "I stopped at Conoco Fast Mart and accidentally locked my keys in the car. I came to use the phone, hoping to get one of my family to rescue me. But no luck! It was a hot day and there was no way I could walk ten blocks home to get my other keys. From behind the counter, Peg came to my aide. She handed me the keys to her car and said, "Here, take my Jimmy that's parked out there to get your keys." Thanks Peg. We are so lucky to live in a community with helpful and caring people like Peg Skopec."

Ben Matchett at the City of O'Neill was nominated by an anonymous person who says that Ben has always helped me. O'Neill needs more people like Ben. He was there when I needed him.

Chrissy Matchett at Bright Horizons was nominated for being a good person and a friend.

Shawn Peter, Gina Clyde, and Linda Olson at Bright Horizons were nominated because they are all great and have been good to an anonymous nominator. They have gone out of their way to help me.

Adam Torpin at Torpins Rodeo Market was nominated by Mary Jeane Nickless. "The Summerfest Rodeo Committee sold Rodeo Dogs and tickets on the corner of 4th and Douglas. The dogs were selling much better than anticipated, and a quick trip had to be made to Torpin's for more dogs and buns. I asked for them to be boxed in something easy to carry as I was walking. Adam boxed them up and then offered to carry 20 pounds of dogs and the buns for me. I'd call that excellent customer service."

Susan Addison at Bomgaars was nominated by Gil Poese who said, "Susan took twenty minutes of time to help me solve a problem, and then took even more time to look for extra parts in the back room."

Fantastic customer service is happening everywhere in O'Neill. If you have received outstanding customer service, please nominate the person by contacting the O'Neill Chamber office, or KBRX radio.

The Retail trade Committe of The O'Neill Area Chamber of Commerce announced this months Outstanding Service Award winner: Suzy Kramer and the Shamrock Nursery Sod Crew.

Suzy and crew were nominated by LeRoy and Marlene Wiekamp. They told the committe that their sod came in early and had to be laid that day, but the Weikamps were out of town. After the sod was layed, the folks at Shamrock Nursery made sure the new sod was watered until we returned to town four days later. "That's taking extra good care of your customer."

The retail trade committe also considered seven other nominations for this months award.

M.J. Kersenbrock was nominated by an anonymous person who said they were experiencing an extreme toothache while in Kansas City. "I called M.J., who lined up medicine at a pharmacy, and also told me to call him at home if my pain worsened. I took great comfort knowing there was a compassionate, extremely helpful person no farther than a phone call away."

Todd Schneider at NAPA Auto parts was nominated by Ron Anderson who stated, "I needed to buy new wiper blades and a new tail light for my pick-up. I am not very mechanical and always have difficulty with these tasks. Todd not only sold me the right stuff, he swithced out the tail light and blades for me. He was extremely friendly and helpful the entire time."

Linda Dougherty at Bomgaars was nominated by Beth Kurtz who said that "Linda gave me great service with a paint problem I was having. When I got home I did not like the color, I went back to Bomgaars, Linda added and mixed, spent over an hour working with me until I had the color I wanted. She went above and beyond to have a happy and satisfied customer."

Milan Welke at Bomgaars was nominated by Mr. and Mrs. Gale They. "Milan always gives good service, is helpful with every question. Every time we are in the store he is very pleasant and courteous."

Janice Welsh of Mustang sally's was nominated by Kim Rust. "Janice is a very kind, courteous, helpful clerk. She always takes time with the customer, never rushes the shopping experience."

Paul Torpin, Diana Burvival, and Tom Storjohann at Torpins was Linda Fitch's nomination. "My pick up would not start at Torpins. I went into the store to call my husband to come help me, but Diana said,"Paul can start anything, he'll help you." Paul tried, but it would not start,so Paul and Tom pushed my pickup until it started and then gave me good advive, "Do not shut it off until you get home." That is truly good customer service."

Donya Mikkelson at Bomgaars was nominated by Ron Anderson."I need to buy some decorated rock, fertilizer, and other landscaping supplies. Donya was at the check out counter when I walked in. I asked her where the fertilizer was, and instead of just telling me, she took me to it, then also helped me find the other items I needed. Outstanding service"

Outstanding customer service is happening every day in O'Neill. If you would like to nominate someone for the Service award, please contact Pat at the chamber office, or go on-line at kbrx, or the O'Neill chamber web site.