News Updates

The Kearney County Joint Economic Development Agency, which formed in April 2004, made its first loan on March 14 to Town and Country Service in Wilcox, owned by Joel and Tracy Groothuis of Wilcox. The need for a unified countywide economic development organization was pursued by Rod Young of the Axtell area Chamber of Commerce and Dena Beck of the Minden Chamber of Commerce. The group initially met with Linda Fettig of the Department of Economic Development, Randy Gunn of South Central RC&D, the Minden City Council, village boards and with Kearney County. It took about one year for the group to take shape once the Kearney County Industrial Development Corporation was dissolved.
Currently, Axtell, Hearwell, Minden, and Wilcox are supporting this group with a $1 per meter charge, along with matching funds from the Kearney County Board of Supervisors. The Village of Norman is the only non-participating community in Kearney County. The mission of the KCJEDA is to promote a spirit of unity and cooperation to foster growth and development in Kearney County. Goals and objective for development have been set. According to a new release, the group has approximately $30,000 remaining to lend. There are 16 representatives and alternates on the board, as well as four executive committee members – Jim Buss of Minden, chairperson: Young, vice chairperson: Beck, secretary: and Blair Johnson of Wilcox, treasurer.
For more information about this organization or for an application for funds, visit the agency web site at www.kearneycounty.net. The group is currently asking Kearney County high school students to help create a logo.

August 3, 2005 – Minden Courier
Roberts Seed, Inc. In Axtell Is Recipient of KCJECA Loan

Joe and Leisha Roberts are the sole owners and operators of Roberts Seed, Inc., of Axtell. The processing plant in Axtell serves as the office and main contact point. An additional processing facility is located in a building in Campbell. Several portable grain cleaners that can travel to the farmer's locations are also used.
Roberts Seed, Inc., processes and markets grain for seed, feed, and for human consumption. Established in 1987, they process and sell for seed and grain for conventional farmers. Roberts Seed obtained organic certification in 1991 to process organic grain for domestic and international markets. Roberts Seed is certified as an Approved Seed Conditioner in the Nebraska Crop Improvement Association (NCIA) and is a corporate member of the organic Crop Improvement Association, International (OCIA). Their active involvement in these associations helps to ensure quality seed, shows support for the certified organic products and strengthens their relationship with the network of producers and buyers (both conventional and organic).

September 28, 2005 – Minden Courier
New Scoring Machines

The Kearney County Joint Economic Development Agency loaned Village Bowl of Minden Money to be used for new electronic scoring machines with upper view screens. For more information contact www.kearneycounty.net because there is still money available to businesses in Kearney County. The purpose of the loan was to enhance the bowling experience with automated scoring in all eight lanes.

April 5,2006
Business Transition

The Kearney County Joint Economic Development Agency gives a business transition loan to Mike Gokie, the new owner of Daylight Donut Shop in Minden. Gokie took over as the new proprietor of the business on April 3, from the previous owners Jim and Mary Yant.

KCEDA Makes Fifth Loan

A recent loan to Brewer's Coffeehouse, a new business to be located on Minden Avenue, marks the Kearney County Economic Development Agency's fifth loan since beginning in 2004.

The mission statement of KCEDA is to promote unity and cooperation to foster growth and development in Kearney County. There are 16 representative and alternates on the board representing four Kearney County communities with four of the KCEDA members on the executive board which include Jim Buss of Minden, chairperson, Rod Young of Axtell, vice chair, Terry Ryan of Heartwell, secretary, and Blair Johnson of Wilcox, treasurer. Axtell, Heartwell, Minden and Wilcox communities as well as Kearney County are currently supporting KCEDA. Previous loans given by KCEDA have been provided to businesses in Axtell, Minden, and Wilcox.

Recently Lisa Stadler was hired as director in an effort to better provide and assist businesses with retention, start up and expansion plans in Kearney County. Benefits of working with KCEDA include low-interest loans, current information and knowledge of the county's workforce, including housing and other economic resources that are available. Contact Lisa Stadler at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or by calling 308-830-3206 if you would like more information regarding KCEDA and what they can do for you.

June 24, 2009 – Minden Courier
KCEDA Makes Loan To Auto Way Bowl

The Kearney County Economic Development Agency (KCEDA), which formed in April 2004, made its seventh loan on June 15, to Auto Way Bowl that is owned by Colleen and Howard Maxon of Minden. Auto Way Bowl plans to use the funds to incorporate new features into the bowling alley such s surface to subway ball returns and new gutters with built-in bumpers. Plans also include resurfacing of the lanes.
The mission of KCEDA is to promote a spirit of unity and cooperation to foster growth and development in Kearney County. KCEDA has 16 representatives and alternates on the KCEDA board representing the four Kearney County communities of Axtell, Minden, Heartwell, and Wilcox. The KCEDA members on the executive board include: Dick McBride of Minden, chairperson: Scott Johnson of Axtell, vice chairperson: Marcy Brandt of Minden, secretary: and Blair Johnson of Wilcox, treasurer. KCEDA is financially supported by all four communities and Kearney County. Previous loans give out by KCEDA have been provided to businesses in Axtell, Minden and Wilcox.
KCEDA loans are designed as low interest loans and are available for Kearney County businesses. For more information about KCEDA or for an application for funds, call Lisa Karnatz, KCEDA Director, at 308-830-3206 or send an email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . KCEDA's office is located at 325 N Colorado St. Minden.

Jan 12, 2010 – Minden Courier
Kearney County Economic Development Agency Makes Eighth Small Business Loan

The Kearney County Economic Development Agency (KCEDA), formed in 2004 made its eighth loan on January 6, to Roberts Seed Inc. that is owned by Joe and Leisha Roberts of Axtell, NE. Roberts Seed Inc., established in 1987, processes and markets grain for seed, feed and for human consumption. They plan to use the funds for equipment improvements.
The mission of KCEDA is to promote a spirit of unity and cooperation to foster growth and development in Kearney County. KCEDA has 16 representatives and alternates on the KCEDA board representing the four Kearney County communities of Axtell, Minden, Heartwell, and Wilcox. The KCEDA members on the executive board include: Dick McBride of Minden, chairperson: Scott Johnson of Axtell, vice chairperson: Marcy Brandt of Minden, secretary: and Blair Johnson of Wilcox, treasurer. KCEDA is financially supported by all four communities and Kearney County. Previous loans give out by KCEDA have been provided to businesses in Axtell, Minden and Wilcox. KCEDA loans are designed as low interest loans and are available for Kearney County businesses. For more information about KCEDA or for an application for funds, call Lisa Karnatz, KCEDA Director, at 308-830-3206 or send an email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . KCEDA's office is located at 325 N Colorado St. Minden.

September 2010 – Minden Courier
KCEDA Awards Ninth Loan

Daryl and Andrea Price of Wilcox were the recipients of a Kearney County Economic Development Agency (KCEDA) loan. The Loan was used to open the Wilcox Café in Wilcox and fund Homestyle Catering. This is KCEDA's ninth loan since forming in April of 2004. KCEDA has given loans to business in Minden, Axtell, and Wilcox. The mission KCEDA is to promote a spirit of unity and cooperation to foster growth and development in Kearney County. Benefits of working with KCEDA include low-interest loans, current knowledge of the county's demographics and information regarding economic resources and incentives. For more information about KCEDA or for an application for funds, contact Laurel Thorell, KCEDA Director, at 30-830-2440 or email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

October 2010 – Minden Courier
KCEDA Awards Tenth Loan

Lorane Holsten of Minden was the recipient of a KCEDA loan to help start Lorane's Sweet Shoppe. Lorane's Sweet Shoppe is a bakery specializing in pies, pastries, and seasonal products. She will be located just south of the square at 324 N. Colorado in Minden.

This is KCEDA's tenth loan to help businesses in Kearney County. The organization was formed in 2004 with the mission to promote a spirit of unity and cooperation to foster growth and development in Kearney County. KCEDA has representatives from Minden, Axtell, Wilcox, and Heartwell. For more information regarding KCEDA call 308-830-2440 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Dec 8, 2010 – Minden Courier
Studio 220 Salon

Ann Marie Schwenke is the recipient of the 12th KCEDA loan. The loan money will be used to open Studio 220, a full service hair salon, located at 220 east 6th street. Schwenke plans to offer the latest haircuts, organic hair coloring, perming and straightening treatments, full body waxing, pedicures, facials, and natural and artificial nails. KCEDA works to help local citizens by providing low interest loan to improve, expand, or start business in Kearney County. The organization has awarded loans to business, in Wilcox, Axtell, and Minden in its six years of existence.