After two years of informal status, the Dawes County Good Neighbor Award now has a formal sponsoring group – the Dawes County Ag Committee.
The Good Neighbor Award was given statewide for many years by the Knights of Ak-Sar-Ben and the Omaha World-Herald, but both discontinued the program.
Since good deeds are still taking place, the Dawes County Fair Board and the county Agriculture Hall of Fame Selection Committee revived the award locally in 2022 and presented it at the last two County Fairs in conjunction with the County Ag Hall of Fame induction.
Ag Committee member and retired long-time county agent Don Huls brought the idea of being the official sponsor to the committee and the members enthusiastically agreed.
Good Neighbor sub-committee chair and Discover Northwest Nebraska Director Kerri Rempp says the greatest asset of Northwest Nebraska is its people and the way they care about each other and step forward to help one another in a variety of ways.
Rempp says the award recognizes the spirit that drives rural communities and the Ag Committee wanted to “ensure our neighbors and their good deeds are honored.”
The award is open to anyone who is a part of the greater Dawes County community, whether they’re in agriculture or not.
. Nomination forms can be picked up at the Chadron Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center, downloaded from the Chamber website at www.chadron.com, or emailed upon request by calling the Chamber at 432-4401.
The forms are also available for download on the Dawes County Fair website at www.dawescountyfair.com. Nominations are due June 15 and can be turned in at the Chamber Office and Visitors Center.