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(Chadron, NE)- The Panhandle of Nebraska is often referred to as one of Nebraska’s Best Kept Secrets, but all that changed on Friday, July 28, 2006, when the entire country became painfully aware of the area due to horrendous wildfires that swept through Dawes and Sioux Counties. It was during this time of fright, panic, and utter disbelief that something truly amazing happened. The entire country also became aware of just how big the hearts of the people in this area truly are.
Firefighters flooded into the fire-ravaged areas from 19 states and 52 Nebraska departments to battle the blazes, and the citizens of Dawes and Sioux Counties opened their hearts to every single one of the brave men and women willing to fight for something that was not theirs. Whenever a request was made for supplies for firefighters, area residents immediately went to local businesses to purchase those items and take them to the local fire halls. Local businesses donated goods as well. Many of the volunteers have said that they could not believe what a caring community this is, and they felt so at home.
On Saturday, September 23, the City of Chadron and Chadron State College would like to welcome those firefighters home again, as well as support personnel, law enforcement agencies, medical professionals and countless other volunteers who joined together to fight the wildfires. A Day of Celebration will take place on that day with many activities to celebrate the spirit of those involved in the Dawes County Complex Fires. A parade will start the day off at the Chadron Fire Hall, leading up to the Chadron State College campus. A tailgate party will also take place before the Eagles’ home opener, with reserved seating at the game and a community barbecue and activities at the Dawes County Fairgrounds in the evening.
Because this is also Family Day at the college, it is possible that lodging may be limited, so local families have volunteered to open their hearts once again as host families to those needing accommodations. Anyone needing information on this can contact Senna Johnson at 308-432-8004, or by emailing sennajohnson@fnbnp.com. Requests for lodging assistance must be received on or before September 9. Anyone wishing to be a host family is asked to contact Johnson as soon as possible.
A head count will be needed to make arrangements for the tailgate party and reserved seating at the game, so all those planning to attend these events are asked to fill out a pre-registration form, which may be picked up at City Hall. Individuals may also contact City Hall at 308-432-0505. Anyone wishing to donate items, time or services is asked to contact Joy Omelanuk at 432-4401, Shellie Johns at 432-6380 or Barb McDaniel at 432-0505.
Richard Stem from the National Forest Service’s Regional Office in Colorado made the comment while at the command center at the CSC Student Center that firefighters are often forgotten shortly after they have answered the call to assist in firefighting efforts in a community or area. The residents of Dawes and Sioux Counties are going to prove that that will not happen here!
For more information, contact Chris Fankhauser, Press Secretary for the Community Wide Celebration Committee, at 308-430-1638, or email at cjfanky@yahoo.com.
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