The North Platte River will be rising in the next few days. It is projected to rise just below the major flood stage of seven feet. This will cause more widespread flooding of low lying and agricultural land along the north bank of the North Platte River from Highway 83 to approximately four miles west of Highway 83 south of North River Road. Water encroachment into some residences property begins along and south of North River Road. Water encroachment into low lying areas of Cody Park worsens.

Due to the high river levels, groundwater will be pushed up in spots, causing some pooling and flooding.

The North Platte/Lincoln County Emergency Management office, the City of North Platte and the County of Lincoln, are collaborating with other agencies and monitoring this situation as it progresses.

Sandbags may be purchased by the public at Menards, with some possibly available through Orscheln and the Do-It-Center.

They are asking the public to notify their office if any flooding over roads is seen. Also, if the public is incurring flooding from the river, not groundwater, please let their office know.

The North Platte/Lincoln County Emergency Management office can be reached at 308-532-7383.

The downtown is the heart and soul of a community, where first impressions are made.  In North Platte, it is the hub of county and city government facilities and services. It is a vital role for overall commerce in the community.  For tourism, shopping and dining are among the top three requests of any traveler.  Tourists want to be engulfed in the community and downtown is a prime location for this where businesses are locally owned and operated; from restaurants and stores to breweries and galleries.

The Downtown Association recently received a grant to bring in a consultant to assist in improving the downtown area.  This consultant will focus on each building and work with the local landlord & tenants to improve each space individually, verses looking at a whole.  The Downtown Association understands the importance of having a vibrant downtown, and wants to spread the excitement and need to improve this area.  They also want to show the downtown businesses that they believe in them, the value they give and the value that a downtown can give to a community.

To kick-off of the “Building Strong Roots” campaign, the Downtown Association will be hosting a kick-off to the campaign and unveil the new logo at a community event on Thursday, May 26^th at 8:30 am in the “Clock Parking Lot” at 6^th & Dewey.

In 1908, after devastating fires to downtown North Platte, three organizations came together to help build brick buildings and re-build downtown.  In one year, the Elks, Independent Order of the Odd Fellows and the Masonic Temple where built giving new life to an otherwise unappealing area.  They are looking forward to bringing that community feel back with support, encouraging words and inspiration that once again can rebuild and renew the ever important downtown area.

Mayor Dwight Livingston, Chamber President/CEO Gary Person and Downtown Association President Micheal Phillips will speak to the crowd sharing a quick story, inspiring and supportive words to embark on this adventure “Building Strong Roots” in the community.  Over the next couple years, there will be new and exciting adventures for downtown.  This is just a small step to kick off that excitement and unveil a new modern logo, to help gain excitement and support for building upon on history and growing for the future.