by Gerri Peterson
After four months without it, Hooker County Transit is officially up and running again as of May 1.
Hooker County Clerk Jessica Hampton said, “This program is returning because of the generosity and support of the community members in Mullen and Hooker County.”
Community member Mindy Paxton was instrumental in fundraising for the program. The spaghetti feed that she organized not only served nearly 150 people on April 15th, but raised over $4,000 in donations.
An anonymous donor also donated $20,000 to the program through the Hooker County Community Foundation.
The Hooker County Transit account through the HCCF has a balance of just over $26,000 Hampton said.
Hooker County will continue to contribute 20% to the transit program. The remaining budget will come from rider fees and money donated through the Hooker County Community Foundation.
Hooker County Transit applied for a new van through the Mid-Nebraska Community Foundation Betterment Grant (Bob & Susan Childers fund). They should get the results of their application by the end of this month. Until they are able to purchase a new van, the transit program will use the 2008 Chevy Uplander that was being used previously.
Doug Boyer has been hired as the Hooker County Transit Coordinator, doing the driving and scheduling.
Hooker County Transit will travel to Alliance, Broken Bow, North Platte, Thedford and Valentine. They will be going to Broken Bow every Thursday, but can also go other days as needed.
The fees have increased for Hooker County Transit to $35 for a single rider round trip to the above locations. It is $20 per rider if there is more than one rider. To ride Hooker County Transit within the Village of Mullen, it is $5 per rider. Tips are always welcome.
Watch the Tribune classified section for upcoming Hooker County Transit schedules.
To schedule a ride with Hooker County Transit, call Doug Boyer at 402-322-0277 or Linda Boyer at 308-5469000. If no answer, be sure to leave a message with contact information.
Hooker County Transit will continue to need funding for operating expenses. To donate tax free to Hooker County Transit, make checks to the Hooker County Community Foundation with Hooker County Transit on the memo line. Mail them to PO Box 112, Mullen, NE 69152 or drop off at Dayspring Bank.