Imperial recently received a great honor in the form of The Governor’s Showcase Community Award. During Community Development Week, Governor Dave Heineman presented the award to a group of Imperial citizens who traveled to Lincoln for the presentation. The plague states that the award is given to Imperial “for outstanding community development accomplishments attributed to their comprehensive approach to community development and ability to access various financial and human resources”. The Governor highlighted Imperial’s ability to work together with organizations and agencies, as well as exceptional volunteerism in order to accomplish great things. Those of us who live here have long been aware that Imperial is a shining star when it comes to getting things done. Imperial residents are willing give of their time and resources in order to make our community a great place to live. We should all be very proud that the work of so many people has been recognized at a very high level in Nebraska. Congratulations Imperial!!

Community Living

It is easy to take for granted the benefits of living in a small community.  We assume that the services and amenities we enjoy will always be available.  Oftentimes, however, it is only through the hard work of volunteers who devote time and energy to a project that we enjoy many of the pleasantries offered in Imperial.  The EMT Haunted House is a perfect example.  The two-day event takes weeks of work to carry in and set up props.  All of the labor prior to the “frightening” experience is done by volunteers.  And it is virtually free to the participants.  The Pumpkin Patch is a weekend event that must take months of planning and hard work, but is great family fun for an entire region.  The theatre is another great amenity that we enjoy, but would not be possible without the incredible volunteers who agree to operate the ticket sales concession stand.  Volunteers provide labor for clean-up events, installation of playground structures, ticket-takers at sporting events, Chase County Fair, governing boards, organizations, and a host of other important volunteer services.  We all enjoy events and opportunities that are made possible because of someone’s selfless participation.  Volunteerism and participation is what makes Imperial a Community and not just a town.  Get involved!  Make a call and offer your time and talents to an event that you or your family has enjoyed.  It can be a lot of fun and has unlimited benefits to the Community of Imperial.

2011 Chase County Schools Career Fair

What an awesome morning!  Thirty-eight high school juniors and seniors attended the 2011 Chase County Schools Career Fair.  Nine local business and two resource providers connected with students to increase awareness of the great career opportunities available in Imperial and Chase County.

Taking Pride in Imperial!!

Mayor Dwight Coleman has conceptualized the project and it has been very popular with residents and groups in the community! Mayor Coleman held a meeting with leaders of some of the youth groups and asked if they would be willing to help with some projects to “spruce up” Imperial. The initial plan was to have a specific day that everyone would be working. As the plan was developed, it appeared it would be much better for the groups to get together on their own schedule, with a list of projects and complete them as they could get members to participate. Individuals and adult groups became aware of the project and wanted to participate as well, so the project list was developed and citizens got started working! Projects included roadside trash cleanup, painting curbs and fire hydrants, and sanding and painting street signs. In addition, the City Council authorized a “free day” at the local transfer station so that City residents had the opportunity to clean up their own properties at no cost. Over 80 residents took advantage of the opportunity and the community looks great! Thanks to everyone for Taking Pride in Imperial!!

Recent Power Outages

There has been a lot of discussion about the power outages that have occurred over the past couple of months. We enjoy a very stable power supply in Imperial, so it is quite inconvenient when the electricity is interrupted. There have been numerous posts and questions about the age of the city’s equipment, knowledge and ability of workers, reasons for the outage, etc, so we hope to dispel some of the rumors. Imperial is in a unique position of having electrical feeds from three sources. When one feed is interrupted for some reason, we can switch to another source for power, but that does not happen in an instant. Alternate suppliers have to make sure their customers are supplied and power is re-routed to our lines. In some cases, they are unable to supply power due to line/power damage of their own.

When there is a power outage, the first thing that supervisors must consider is when it is safe enough for workers to go out and try to identify the problem. Being in a bucket truck during a lightning storm is a dangerous call, and we will not risk the lives of our employees to reinstate electricity. When it is safe to be out, crews try to isolate the problem, and can then begin the process of repair. This has been an exceptional year for the electric system with wind and lightning damage. The substation in Imperial took a direct lightning hit, resulting in equipment that was destroyed. Pieces of the equipment can be observed at the City Office for those that are interested. There are no surge protectors that will protect against a direct strike. In the most recent outage, lightning hit a power line outside of town and opened a reclosure. The equipment functioned properly, and power was restored once the storm abated enough that crews were able to go out and find the problem. In at least two instances, the outages were a result of storm damage to our power supplier equipment and had nothing to do with City distribution equipment.

We do appreciate residents’ patience and cooperation during the power outages. We are fully aware that unexpected outages are an inconvenience and sometimes create additional hardships for our businesses and homeowners. Please be assured, however, that the outages have nothing to do with a reluctance or inability to provide proper equipment and labor.

"Take Pride in Imperial"

Mayor Dwight Coleman is inviting the youth of the community, and any other group that is interested, to participate in a campaign to give the City a positive facelift in August.  The weekend of August 6-7 is being designated as “Take Pride in Imperial” weekend and there is a long list of items that your group can choose to be involved in.  Groups can choose one or more of the priorities listed and notify the city office of its intent to complete that task.  The City will provide paint, brushes, trash bags or whatever is needed, to help the groups accomplish the goals.   Work can begin anytime you can get your group together, but we hope to have a good bit of the work done before the Chase County Fair, which beings August 14.  Some have indicated that this could continue to be a year-round project to keep citizens involved and to keep our community in top condition all the time.  So, Take Pride, Imperial, and get involved today!

“Take Pride in Imperial” Projects

1. Street Signs Wellington Street

2. Curb Painting 7th to 10th on Grant (Including Manor curbs)

3. Paint Fire Hydrants & Curbs on 10th from Grant to Broadway

4. Paint Curbs (mostly touch-up) on Broadway from 10th to 2nd

5. Paint Curbs & Fire Hydrants on Broadway from 10th to 18th

6. Trash Pickup on East 5th Street

7. Trash Pickup on East 12th Street

8. Trash Pickup on East 9th Street

9. Trash Pickup on Broadway

10. Fire Hydrants and some curbing on 9th from Broadway to Longhorn (including curbs in front of school)

11. Fire Hydrants and curbs on 5th from Broadway to Highway 61

12. Fire Hydrants and curbs on Wellington from Hwy to 10th

13. Fire Hydrants and curbs on Wellington from 10th to 18th

14. Fire Hydrants and curbs on Park from Hwy to 10th

15. Fire Hydrants and curbs on Park from 10th to 18th

16. Street Signs Park Street

17. Fire Hydrants and curbs on Highway 61 from Hwy 6 to 12th

18. Street Signs Court Street

19. Streets Signs Douglas Street

20. Fire Hydrants and curbs on Court from 2nd to 9th

21. Fire Hydrants and curbs on Court from 9th to 17th

22. Fire Hydrants and curbs on Douglas from 2nd to 9th

23. Fire Hydrants and curbs on Douglas from 9th to 17th

24. Fire Hydrants and curbs on Grant from 5th to 17th

25. Fire Hydrants and curbs on E. 5th from Douglas to Golf Course Rd

26. Fire Hydrants and curbs in Max Addition – a square from 6th on the south, Grant on the east, 12th on the north and all the way out to include the Sage Addition

27. Fire Hydrants and curbs in Hospital area – a square from 12th on the south, Grant on the east, 16th on the north and all the way out past the hospital

Exciting Times at the Imperial Manor

Children and the elderly … a winning combination.  They have time for each other and bring joy to the relationship.  Tonya Bush heads up the staff at Imperial Manor/Parkview/Heights’ newest venture.  Children enjoy a fun-filled day, learning and playing.  Residents enjoy watching and interacting with the children.  Songs, reading and playing in the sandbox are all favorite activities that are shared.  Last week, everyone shared a “picnic” lunch with burgers and chips and potato salad – in the cool dining room.  There was ketchup and smiles on the lips!