Julie Davis
Jdavis@cherryroad.com

The Otoe Kids Club has taken a big first step toward playground improvements in the community.

The group attended the June 18 meeting of the Otoe County Board of Commissioners to request a $20,000 grant from Otoe County’s KENO funds to purchase and install playground equipment that older children can use.

The board approved the grant requested with 1st District Commissioner Chuck Cole abstaining from the vote. Cole stated before the vote that he and his wife had donated funds toward the equipment purchase and installation.

The Otoe Kids Club has “taken the initiative to change the culture in Otoe,” said Cole.

Nichol Scholting, who spoke for the organization at the meeting, said the group’s motto is “little hands can make a big difference, too.” She told the commissioners about the improvement projects the club has undertaken in the village, from planting flowers to donating to the food pantry to making and delivering treat bags for care centers, and how she and other adult leaders are trying to teach the importance of volunteerism in the community.

Commissioners encouraged Scholting and the club to return with plans and cost estimates for future projects that the board will consider supporting with county KENO funds.

During the June 18 meeting, the board also

Approved resolutions to transfer funds to the county’s general fund to meet budgetary requirements for the County Board and Juvenile Services;

Awarded the winning bid of $3,825 for a surplus 20212 Chevrolet Malibu to Jerad Sornson;

Approved an interlocal agreement to create the Southeast Weed Management Association; and

Approved advertising for candidates for the position of Highway Superintendent.

The next regular Otoe County Board of Commissioners meeting is set for 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 2, at the Otoe County Courthouse.