by Gerri Peterson
The disbanding of the Hooker County handi bus last month by the Hooker County Commissioners got the public’s attention, with record attendance at commissioner meetings.
When Mindy Paxton got wind of what was happening with the handi bus, she immediately thought of all the other services that have disappeared for Mullen’s senior citizens in recent years, such as the senior center, nursing home, meals on wheels, home health, hospice and limited doctor availability at the clinic.
Paxton said Mullen is “knocking it out of the park” for our youth, but “we’ve missed the boat for our seniors.”
“It is essential to our community that we continue to provide the handi bus service,” she said.
Being familiar with the funds that Hooker County has available from Bob and Susan Childers’ fund via Betterment Grants through the Mid-Nebraska Community Foundation, Paxton met with the foundation’s Executive Director, Eric Seacrest, to discuss the handi bus and asked him to come speak at the February Hooker County Commissioners meeting.
Paxton has been appointed by the commissioners to speak on their behalf for Hooker County Transit - what the new handi bus program will be called - to work on securing funding for its operating costs.
Hooker County Transit will be ran by the county, but they will not be accepting any more federal grants due to the restrictions.
The Hooker County Commissioners will continue to allocate funds towards Hooker County Transit, and the Hooker County Community Foundation has committed to also providing financial assistance, based on a feasible business plan being presented, but thousands of dollars in additional funding is still needed.
The Betterment Grant will be used to help purchase a new minivan for Hooker County Transit, but the grant cannot be used for operating expenses.
Yes, Hooker County Transit is for senior citizens, but it is also available to everyone.
Paxton said the goal is to have Hooker County Transit up and running by June at the latest. If public members have any questions or fundraising ideas, text or call Mindy Paxton at 308-546-7331.
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, drop off at Dayspring Bank or contact Addie Lovitt or Stacy Kraye.