Contractor signed for Western Sky project

The board of Western Sky Community Care Center has taken another step in the process of restoring nursing home care to Perkins County.

The Western Sky board, along with project consultant Tim Groshans of Burwell, opened bids for a contractor on Sept. 10. After the interview process concluded a week later, the board selected Ayars and Ayars, Inc., of Lincoln to serve as general contractor for the proposed 40-bed nursing home. Ayars and Ayars will partner with Architecture Etcetera of Lincoln on the design-build project.

“It’s very exciting to see the Grant project move forward,” Groshans said. “It is also a huge tribute to the community, the faith this group and the USDA have in that funding efforts will meet their goal, allowing for next steps.”

The USDA is requiring Western Sky to have funds of $3.15 million on hand as construction begins, in order to cover operations when the facility opens. According to figures from board treasurer Chris Loeffler, that goal is now within $280,000 of being met.

Ayars and Ayars indicated that they hope to complete some preliminary work in Grant this fall. They will then focus on procurements and planning over the winter, with construction resuming in earnest in March 2025.

“The focus has always been on returning post-acute and long-term care services to Grant,” Groshans said. “It’s time to make it happen.”

PANCAKE FEED & Auction

Hosted by the Grant Lions and Grant Rotary, a pancake feed and auction will be held on October 5 at the Perkins County Fairgrounds to raise funds for the Western Sky Community Care Center. 

The pancake supper will start at 5:30 p.m. and the auction will begin at 7 p.m.

Several items have been donated and contributed to the auction to help increase interest as well as the fundraising mission. 

Some of the items that will be available are:

• 2 UNL football tickets

• 2 1996 $50 gold coins (reserve $2500 ea)

•8 bundles of beef donated by Grant Packing (approximately 100 lb. bundles)

• 4 pork bundles donated by the Burge family

• Baskets of garden produce and canned goods

• A 2001 Ford Expedition with 19,385 original miles, in mint condition (reserve priced)

All are welcome to attend the pancake feed and/or auction, and proceeds will go to the Western Sky Community Care Center. 

For more information on the Pancake feed and auction contact Doris Olsen or Steve Loeffler.